Marriage equality advocates have noted that a national survey showing a dramatic increase in support for LGBTI+ equality shows that a plebiscite on marriage equality is unnecessary.
The annual Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey conducted by the University of Melbourne was release this week, showing support for equal rights for same-sex couples has grown to almost two-thirds of the population, up from 38% in 2005.
In response to the statement “Homosexual couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples do”, 59% of men and 67% of women agreed, as opposed to 32% and 43% ten years ago.
just.equal spokesperson Ivan Hinton-Teoh said these results highlight how needless a plebiscite on marriage equality would be.
“This independent, government-funded research accurately reflects growing and unequivocal support for marriage equality and shows why it would be a waste of time and money to have a plebiscite on the issue,” Hinton-Teoh said.
“The research is far more accurate than a postal vote could ever be and is enough to show Australians want marriage equality.”
“The Government should acknowledge this research as the snapshot of the nation’s attitudes it says is required before advancing to a free vote in parliament.”
Hinton-Teoh said it is now time for politicians to vote on marriage equality instead of arguing amongst themselves about public opinion.
“The research released today underlines why the continued policy of obstruction is untenable – and a free vote is the only way forward for the government and the nation”
The Liberal party are expected to discuss marriage equality in their party room next week following revelations that a number of government MPs may cross the floor to vote on a marriage equality bill, while others argue that the plebiscite policy must be adhered to.
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