Hope for marriage report

Marriage equality advocates say they hope a House of Representatives report will recommend Australia should amend the Marriage Act to allow for same-sex marriage.

The report – to be released today – will consider two marriage equality bills currently before federal Parliament.

This morning media is reporting the committee behind the report achieved a consensus view, but that view has not been revealed.

Australian Marriage Equality national convener Alex Greenwich said he believes its time MPs got behind the movement for change.

“Over 170,000 Australians voiced support for marriage equality through this parliamentary process and we hope the report will reflect this overwhelming support for reform,” Greenwich said.

“We also hope the report will put to bed the unfounded concerns of opponents of reform, for example by highlighting that there will be no obligation for any church to marry a same-sex couple if they do not wish to.

“Once MPs realise they have nothing to fear from this reform, we are confident more will open their hearts and minds to the importance of marriage equality.”

The report considered two private member’s bills – one from Labor MP Stephen Jones and the other from Greens MP Adam Bandt.

During the inquiry, the House of Representatives committee received 276,000 responses.

The report is due to be tabled today after 10am.

Over the weekend the Greens released a video calling for Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott – who are both opposed to change – to “get out of the way.”