The Greens have condemned the coalition over their decision to not grant a free vote to MPs on the issue of marriage equality. Greens spokesperson on LGBTI rights Senator Janet Rice has said that the Prime Minister has failed to show leadership.
“What a disgraceful lack of leadership from the Prime Minister, who has shown yet again that he is out of touch with the community,” Senator Rice said..
The senator said Australia was lagging behind other countries on the issue of marriage equality.
“Australians want us to catch up, but Tony Abbott is determined to hold us back.
“The people who lose out here are LGBTIQ couples, who just want to show their commitment to each other before their friends, family and the law.
Senator Rice was critical of the suggestion that the suggestion that the issue needed to be taken to Australian people as a stand alone issue to vote upon.
“A plebiscite would be a costly delay tactic to find out what we already know – that over 70% of Australians support marriage equality.
“The Prime Minister has shown he simply doesn’t want to listen.
“This shirking of leadership means this discrimination faced by LGBTIQ people and their families is set to continue.
Senator Rice said coalition members who support marriage equality should cross the floor and get behind the bill the Greens have introduced in the senate.
“This delay is disappointing for so many. We will stand with them until all discrimination against LGBTIQ people and their families is ended.”
Speaking in parliament shortly after the decision to not grant a free vote was announced, Greens member Adam Bandt said the coalition has sent the wrong message to young LGBTIQ people.
Mr Bandt said the Coalition had “sided with a homophobic minority and picked fear over love”.
“The Coalition has sent a message to Australia’s same-sex attracted young people that they were second class.
“Today, the government signed its death warrant. This is the beginning of the end for this government”. Mr Bandt said.
Australian Marriage Equality Responds
Rodney Croome from Australian Marriage Equality has said that while many people are disappointed and angered by the coalition’s decision
“The Abbott Government has disappointed and angered millions of Australians by deciding to remain on the wrong side of history, but momentum will only build and love will win out.” Mr Croome said.
“Clearly, opponents of marriage equality in the Coalition know they don’t have the numbers on the floor of the house or they wouldn’t be so scared of a free vote.”
Mr Croome said politicians on all sides of politics who supported marriage equality needed to press ahead with their legislative plans.
“We urge supporters of marriage equality in parliament to press ahead with legislation in both houses and we urge Coalition members to be brave and cross the floor.”
Mr Croome said that while there was no need for a plebiscite on marriage equality if the coalition thought that was the way forward they should be at the next election.
“We don’t see the need for a plebiscite or referendum, but if there is to be one it must be at the next election and it must be authorised by parliamentary legislation and not on Tony Abbott’s terms.”
“You can’t stop love and if this parliament fails to achieve marriage equality we will make sure the next one will.” Mr Croome said.
It is reassuring to know that there are so many politicians in support of marriage equality. We need to lose Mr Abbott before Australia can truly enter the twenty-first century as an equal society, that values all people. I say turn-back Mr Abbott – his carbon emitions are choking us, and welcome the boats!!!!