Adam Bandt of the Greens has introduced a bill to the House of Representatives today, with support from independent MPs.
The Greens sole Lower House MP has sponsored a bill to legislate for same-sex marriage in Australia along with independents Andrew Wilkie and Cathy McGowan.
Opposition leader Bill Shorten has also tabled a bill with support from his deputy Tanya Plibersek today, though Bandt argues the cross-party bill is the only “serious option”.
“I invite Liberal and Labor MPs again to join as co-sponsors of this bill to achieve marriage equality,” Bandt said.
“If we all work together, we have a real chance to pass marriage equality through Parliament sooner rather than later without a divisive plebiscite.”
The Greens, Wilkie and McGowan are aiming to trigger a free vote on marriage equality and avoid a public vote that advocates have warned will be divisive and harmful to the LGBTIQ community.
“If we all work together, we have a real chance to pass marriage equality through Parliament sooner rather than later without a divisive and wasteful plebiscite,” Bandt continued.
“If we all work together, wedding bells could be sounding before Christmas this year.”
OIP Staff
