HE IS PAID TO REPRESENT HIS OWN ELECTORATE, NOT OTHERS’
Marriage equality advocates have labelled as “regrettable” a claim by Upper House member Tony Mulder that if his Upper House colleagues who oppose the issue are re-elected on May 4th he will take it as a referendum result and change his position and vote against debating the legislation thereby “dooming” it.
Mr Mulder made in the claim in a comment on a new website (copy below).
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
“Tony Mulder’s statement is regrettable because he is paid to represent voters in his electorate, not voters in other electorates.”
“If he is a man of principle he will stick with the values that saw him vote for marriage equality last year rather than swaying in the wind.”
“Our goal is not to have a referendum on marriage equality, but simply to inform voters about the issue.”
“If Tony Mulder wants a true indication of where Tasmanians stand on this issue he should read the polls, all of which show support running at 60% or more across the state.”
Last year Mr Mulder voted in favour of marriage equality ensuring the vote was a close 8 to 6 split.
A copy of Mr Mulder’s comments from the Mercury website are included below.
“No intention at this end of making the elections plebiscites on ssm. Hopefully, the candidates don’t either” said Rodney Croome – March 23, 2013. As a ‘progressive liberal’ and MLC for Rumey, I voted for SSM as a matter of conscience. If Wilkinson and Goodwin are re-elected I will have to bow to democracy and vote against the Forest motion – ensuring its doom!
Posted by: Tony Mulder of Rumney MLC 8:44pm Sunday
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome
