Greens ramp up marriage push

The Greens have begun the push for marriage equality in the House of Representatives, with the Greens MP for Melbourne, Adam Bandt yesterday giving notice to a motion he hopes will “take the temperature” of that chamber on the issue.

The motion, which Bandt hopes to have debated in November, notes that:

“There is a the growing list of countries that allow same-sex couples to marry including the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Spain, Canada and South Africa; and there is widespread support for equal marriage in the Australian community.”

The motion then calls on all parliamentarians to “gauge their constituents’ views on the issue of marriage equality.”

Bandt said the motion was intended to keep the issue alive until there is enough support to pass the Greens’ Marriage Equality Bill.

Bandt hopes that, as the motion does not bind the Government to an action, individual members of the parliament will be able to speak their minds.

“This motion will be an opportunity for members to express their personal view on marriage equality free from the requirement to abide with their parties’ positions on amending the Marriage Act,” said Bandt.

“We are heartened by reports from the recent meeting of the National Left that there is strong support for marriage equality inside Labor, there are likewise members of the Coalition who support our position.”

“It is time people had an opportunity to speak up and show their colours – if Labor members still believe in equality, and if Coalition members still believe in an individual’s freedom of choice, they should support this motion.”

Bandt said his party would continue to push for a conscience vote on the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2010 alongside the community.