The Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has announced she won’t be offering the government support on the plebiscite legislation.
The South Australian senator had previously said she considered “nothing of the table” in relation to moving the marriage debate forward. The statement lead to speculation that the senator might cross the floor and offer support to the coalition to pass the plebiscite legislation.
This afternoon the senator ruled out giving any support to the proposed legislation.
“I said I would wait to see the government’s proposal and, now that I have, I won’t be supporting it,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“This isn’t a pathway for delivering marriage equality; it’s a shameless display of the arrogant game playing that makes so many people hate politicians.
“Malcolm Turnbull has forsaken the marriage equality movement and allowed for this plebiscite to be rigged, so that it will never see the light of day.
“I could never accept spending tax payers’ money on a campaign that attacks members of the Australian community.
“Gay and lesbian Australians shouldn’t be forced to wait years to marry the person they love. This Parliament has failed the Australian people, who only want to see us legislate so that their LGBTI friends and family members are treated equally by the law.
“Doing nothing on marriage equality is still not an option for me and I’ll be working with all people who support this essential reform, regardless of their party.
Senator Hanson-Young said the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull lacked leadership in advancing marriage equality.
“Malcolm Turnbull has shown no leadership on this issue and proven himself to be a Prime Minister with no authority, no credibility and no courage.” Hanson-Young said.
OIP Staff
