Marriage Equality advocates have welcomed the support for reform from the Federal Liberal Member for Higgins, Kelly O’Dwyer.
Australian Marriage Equality National Director Rodney Croome said:
“We have met with Kelly O’Dwyer a number of times, and her heart and mind have continued to open to support equality for gay and lesbian Australians”
“Her position is reflective of her electorate, and further demonstrates the growing support amongst coalition members”
“This also highlights the need for Tony Abbott to allow coalition MPs a free vote on a reform a clear majority of Australians want”
Mr Croome said her support also increases pressure on the Prime Minister to “evolve” on the issue:
“If Barack Obama and Kelly O’dwyer can evolve on marriage equality during an election year so can Julia Gillard”
Further information from smh.com.au:
In the Federation Chamber (a parallel chamber for parliamentary business) Liberal MP Kelly O’Dwyer has told MPs she supports changing the Marriage Act to recognise same sex marriage.
“There will be some people in my family who will be disappointed,” Ms O’Dwyer says.
“”There will be others in my family who will be able to marry [if laws are changed].”
Ms O’Dwyer has been targetted by marriage equality campaigners due to the high level of support for change in her Melbourne seat.
Tellingly, Ms O’Dwyer says the Coalition party room has not yet debated what its election policy on this issue will be.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome
