Shorten gives marriage equality commitment at Labor conference

WA Labor are holding their state conference this weekend, where federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten delivered a passionate speech this morning.

Arriving to ACDC’s TNT, the ALP leader shook hands with WA Labor members as they welcomed him waving rainbow flags.

Shorten touched on marriage equality within the first moments of his speech, explaining he spent his morning jogging by the river with a coterie of WA Labor members sporting “It’s Time” t-shirts.

Great run around the river this morning with @billshortenmp and the WA team – perfect start to kick of @walabor conference #ItsTime https://t.co/zpVlDmiXEZ

— Tim Hammond (@TimHammond1) August 26, 2017

“It’s time for marriage equality,” Shorten said to applause.

“I do not support making laws by postal survey.”

The Opposition Leader went on to re-assert that it was party policy to legislate for marriage equality with 100 days of a new Labor government in Canberra – regardless of the result of the impending postal survey.

Shorten wrapped up his address by denouncing Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s lack of action on inequality in all forms, celebrating Australians with aspiration.

“In our party we understand the true meaning of aspiration,” Shorten said.

“Aspiration is being able to marry the person you love… Aspiration is a Labor value.”

The WA Labor conference will continue into this afternoon and tomorrow, with marriage equality and LGBTI+ issues expected to be raised again before Sunday’s end.

OIP Staff