[Greens-Media] Momentum building for marriage equality vote

[Schultz-Byard, Noah (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

Momentum building for marriage equality vote

The impending vote on a Greens marriage equality Bill in the House of Representatives will give all MPs a chance to declare their position on the future of equality in Australia Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt and Senator Sarah Hanson-Young have said.

"Many MPs are changing their hearts and changing their minds as they realise the majority of Australian people want equality and they want it now," the Greens LGBTI spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

"Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott have become increasingly isolated on an island of inequality in recent months.

" The vote on Adam Bandt's Bill in the lower house will show which MPs think gay and lesbian Australians deserve to marry the person they love ahead of the September election.

"Tony Abbott needs to follow the example of conservative leaders around the world by granting the members of his party a conscience vote on the Bill."

Adam Bandt's Bill will go to a vote on the 6th of June and will give each MP an opportunity to declare their support for this essential change.

"Kevin Rudd has given a big boost to marriage equality," Adam Bandt said.

"Now we have an opportunity for Australia to join the UK, France and New Zealand in recognising that all love is equal."

"Parliament has had extensive debate and now is the time to test where the Parliament is at."

"After the vote on my Bill voters will be very clear about where each and every MP stands heading into the election."

"The public won't treat kindly any delay tactics designed to avoid the Prime Minister having to join Tony Abbott in voting against equality."

"Tony Abbott has said he won't let religion influence politics. He should prove it by allowing a conscience vote on June 6."

Media Contacts:

Noah Schultz-Byard (Sarah Hanson-Young): 0427 604 760
Damien Lawson (Adam Bandt): 0487 900 005


NOAH SCHULTZ-BYARD  MEDIA ADVISER

OFFICE OF SENATOR SARAH HANSON-YOUNG
AUSTRALIAN GREENS SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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