ALP backs marriage equality

ALP backs marriage equality

The Australian Labor Party has made marriage equality a part of its policy platform.

And Prime Minister Julia’s push for a marriage equality conscience vote for Labor MPs has been successful.

Marriage Equality activists have hailed today’s decision by the ALP to support same-sex marriage, with Australian Marriage Equality National Convener, Alex Greenwich, saying:

“The momentum towards achieving marriage equality is unstoppable,” Australian Marriage Equality national convenor Alex Greenwich said.

Greenwich said a major obstacle to reform has been removed thanks to the efforts of tens of thousands of ordinary Australians.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Greenwich said there is more support for marriage equality in Coalition ranks than many people believe and called on Opposition Leader Tony Abbott to allow his parliamentarians a conscience vote.

“Marriage equality is not about left versus right, it is about love and commitment, which are values we all hold dear,” Greenwich said.

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13 responses to “ALP backs marriage equality”

  1. We did not want a conscious vote – A conscious vote was never the goal – it is like saying we are asking for Gay Marriage just so we can be happy to get civil unions. A conscious vote was Julia Gillard’s win – it was a way for her let people like you think they had gotten a victory when in fact it is a defeat. No one who wants Gay Marriage should be happy with this or they should already be happy and content that they have civil unions. The labor party will need to roll Julia if we are to have a chance. I ca not see Abbot, being the devout follower of a guy who prances around in pink satin ballet slippers suddenly seeing the light of equality. However, he could also be dumped before too long – there is always hope but we have to find a way – Greens. We have no other option than to gain more politicians truly dedicated to gay marriage to force the issue.
    Lips service alone is not enough – they have to be willing to stand up and be counted. This farce of a conscious vote should not fool anyone into supporting labor.

  2. I agree with former Senator Faulkner – a conscience vote is unconscionable. Equality is a fundamental human right – and people shouldnt have the right to deny equality based on their own prejudices. Would they tolerate a conscience vote on religious freedom ?

  3. A great step forward. Personally I wish that Labor pollies had been bound to vote for it, not given a conscience vote though (although pleased vote on this was so close). However, can’t help but notice the hypocrisy of some sso readers, members of glbti community – given that Labor champions of reform like Wong, Albanese, Plibersek etc were being slammed last year for considering themselves bound by Labor marriage policy (even though they were steadily working behind the scenes to change that policy). Now many sso readers, members of the glbti community seem to be arguing that all Labor members should be bound by Labor policy just because the policy has changed to favour same-sex marriage (thanks to the work of the much maligned three above amongst others). You can’t have it both ways!!!!

  4. The Rally yesterday was an inspiration. The media are saying 5000. OK it’s a conscience vote but let’s get the pressure off Labor now and put it to the Coalition. They are supposed to be the ones who allow freedom to their parliamentarians. Start as we did with Labor . . . local members, just asking not for them to necessarily vote for Equality (although that would be great) but to pressure Abbot to allow them to vote freely too . . . from the so called Party of individual rights, freedom, “broad church” in opinions etc etc

  5. Great that the ‘conscience vote’ was successful in favour of Marriage equality, but geez, equality and inclusiveness is a fundamental human right. Shame on Julia Gillard for leaving it in the hands of the rest of her party. Equality and the legalisation of Gay Marriage should not be dependent on the personal views of the PM or the ALP politicians. So much for “Australians all let us rejoice for we are young and FREE …we’ll toil with hearts and hands (Yeah right, for what?? For some to have and others to have not, it seems).

  6. For a long time, people have been calling to allow politicians a conscience vote to vote FOR gay marriage. Now it’s “disappointing” because party politics is supporting it? You can’t have it both ways people! It would now be a step forward if the Libs allow a conscience vote, then everyone will be able to vote the way they choose. I’m confident that this will result in legalising gay marriage.

  7. no real progress – still we can be treated as second class as Labour only wanted conscience in order to ensure that equality will not happen – no victory – we are all no better off than dogs – with a dog licence equivalent being all we have now and will after the conscience vote fails on the floor of Parliement

  8. this is hugely disappointing and not a victory – sugar coating it does not make it less bitter.

  9. While it is a step in the right direction, and for that I am thankful, the fact that a conscience vote was allowed just to save the embarrassment of Gillard makes me furious. My rights are less important than saving face for the PM; a PM who will go down in history as one of the worst this country has had the misfortune to have.

  10. While it’s fantastic the ALP have adopted this as policy, a conscience vote is not good enough. But hey, the wheels are in motion, nothing will stop the marriage equality train now!