Statements
Cross-Party Marriage Equality Bill introduced
The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, is joining Member for Melbourne Adam Bandt and Member for Indi Cathy McGowan to discuss the cross-party marriage equality bill that they have introduced this morning.
“A plebiscite will be divisive and costly, whereas parliamentary support for a simple amendment to the Marriage Act will be effective, fast and at virtually no cost,” Mr Wilkie said.
“But in the current environment there would seem to be no interest whatsoever among Coalition members to support a Labor marriage equality bill.
“In the circumstances there’s no doubt the best way forward is a non-aligned bill reflecting the broad, cross-party interest in marriage equality. Hopefully wiser heads in the ALP understand this and are prepared to join with us to progress this important matter.”
The Bill will be introduced at approximately 10:10am this morning.
Andrew Wilkie, Independent MP for Denison