The latest results from the ABC’s VoteCompass website has revealed that the majority of Australian voters are in favour of same sex marriage.
The website has found that 52% of voters surveyed were for marriage equality, while 36% believed that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. Twelve percent of respondents selected neutral as their answer.
The poll has also revealed that most people’s positions are based along ideological lines. For voters who describe themselves right leaning, 72% believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. While 78% of left leaning voters believe it should be redefined.
The survey has also shown a clear differentiation on topics including abortion and euthanasia. Marriage Equality also received more support from women and single people than it did from men and married couples.
Since the ABC launched it’s website over 900,000 people have taken part in the survey, by comparison most political polls don’t survey more than a few thousand people.
Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren (pictured) says the results are not a surprise.
“The results of VoteCompass reflect that the Greens are on target with most voters with our 100% commitment not only for marriage equality, but also legalised euthanasia and the right to a safe abortion,” said Ms MacLaren, “Even 28% of the most conservative voters are in support of same-sex marriage legislation”.
Reflecting on the results Ms MacLaren highlighted the lack of support the issues receives from married men.
“I think it’s interesting that the poll shows women and single voters are more likely to support gay marriage than men and people who are married, married couples more than anyone should understand how beautiful the institution of marriage is and that everyone else should be entitled to it.”
Equal Love will host a rally for marriage equality on Saturday 31st August at 1pm in Stirling Gardens on the corner of Barrack Street and St George’s Terrace.
Graeme Watson
