CONCERN COALITION RIGHT WING IS ‘DICTATING TERMS’ OF THE PLEBISCITE
Advocates say a plebiscite on marriage equality is even less acceptable to the LGBTI community following revelations there will be public funding for the “yes” and no “cases”.
Spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Sharyn Faulkner, said,
“We cannot countenance taxpayers’ money being spent on what is likely to be hurtful, harmful and even hateful campaign materials from the ‘no’ case.”
“We call on the Senate, and particularly the Labor Party, to block the plebiscite and for Parliament to have a free vote instead.”
Long-time marriage equality advocate, Rodney Croome, said Cabinet’s decisions on a plebiscite show the right wing of the Coalition has taken control of the plebiscite process from Malcolm Turnbull and George Brandis.
“The right wing of the Coalition appears to be dictating terms on the plebiscite which will make the LGBTI community even more hostile to the proposal.”
Mr Croome said he is concerned about the proposed question as well as the proposal for public funding.
“As well as rejecting public funding, I am concerned about the proposed question which should be as simple as possible.”
“Asking about a ‘change to the law’ is unnecessary and distracts attention from the key issue.”
“A simple question would be something like ‘do you believe same-sex couples should be able to marry’.”
Shelley Argent, PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS
