Gay marriage now has the support of the Australian Labor Party after delegates voted in support of the move at this weekend’s ALP National Conference.
No formal count was necessary for amendment 101, the motion to support same sex marriages, as it passed on cheers of support alone, NEWS.com.au reports.
While the party now officially supports gay marriage at the national level, Labor delegates also voted in favour of a conscience vote for MPs today.
Out of 400 delegates, just 208 delegates voted in support of a conscience vote for gay marriage over 184 votes against the move.
Australian Marriage Equality spokesperson Alex Greenwich (pictured) said today was a day of celebration.
‘The momentum towards achieving marriage equality is unstoppable,’ he said.
‘Today is a day of celebration for those ordinary Australians – gay and straight, young and old, city and country – who have called out for equality and had their voices answered.
‘We are disappointed Labor MPs have been given a conscience vote but the momentum for change is unstoppable because marriage equality is an issue which resonates with fundamental Australian values like fairness and inclusion.
‘A major obstacle to reform has been removed and we are prepared to face the new challenge we have been given of achieving reform with a Labor conscience vote.’
Benn Dorrington
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