[Greens-Media] Marriage Equality is above politics: GG backs human rights while Abbott gags his members

[Moran, Amy (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Saturday, 23 November 2013

Marriage Equality is above politics: GG backs human rights while Abbott gags his members

The Australian Greens have welcomed the Governor General's support for marriage equality today and have called on Tony Abbott to allow a conscience vote on the issue in the Federal Parliament.

"Well may we say 'God save the Queen', but today the queens are saying 'thank God for the Governor General'," the Greens' LGBTI spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

"As the holder of the highest office in Australia, the Governor General's support for the aspirations of thousands of Australians when it comes to marriage equality means a lot.

"Marriage Equality isn't about politics; it's about love, it's about human rights and we have to work together to make it happen.

"Tony Abbott has gagged his members by not allowing a conscience vote in the Parliament until now, but he's not able to gag the Governor General.

"No one political party will be able to deliver this essential reform and that's why I'm calling for co-sponsors for a Marriage Equality Bill that is currently sitting on the notice paper in Federal Parliament.

"Tony Abbott must allow his members a conscience vote on this issue.

"Marriage Equality is inevitable. The majority of Australians want it and they want it now. It's time the Federal Parliament caught up."


Media Contact: Noah Schultz-Byard 0427 604 760

AMY MORAN  MEDIA OFFICER

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