Australian marriage equality advocates have celebrated the news that German Chancellor Angela Merkel wants her party to have a free vote on marriage equality.
Speaking to media, Chancellor Merkel said she was disappointed by debate on the issue in her party and hopes it is “headed towards a conscience vote.”
The leader of Germany’s centre-right Christian Democratic Union, who have not supported marriage equality in the past, has revealed that her new attitude was formed after meeting a lesbian couple who were fostering eight children.
just.equal spokesperson Rodney Croome has praised Chancellor Merkel for making way for marriage equality.
“Angela Merkel has done the right thing by same-sex couples, Germany and her party by allowing a free vote on marriage equality,” Mr Croome said.
“We call on Malcolm Turnbull to follow Angela Merkel’s exmaple and allow a free vote on marriage equality as soon as possible.”
Mr Croome also noted that a recent poll showed that Prime Minister Turnbull and the Coalition government could lose up to 1 million voters if they do not take action on marriage equality.
“With every country that achieves marriage equality, Australia is increasingly isolated.”
Should Germany legislate for marriage equality this year it will leave Switzerland, Austria and Italy as the only nations in Western Europe without it.
OIP Staff
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