WA ALP backs marriage equality

A motion in recognition and support of same-sex marriage was moved by delegate David Goncalves at the WA State ALP conference around 7pm Sydney time.

The motion was passed with the support of a majority of delegates after about half an hour of debate.

Support was so overwhelming that a count was not needed and the motion was passed on voices alone.

At around 7.40pm WA Labor leader Eric Ripper tweeted “Marriage equality has been endorsed by the WA Labor conference after moving speeches from advocates in a 30 minute debate”

This leaves only the NSW ALP as the only state or territory branch to conference this year that is yet to take a formal position on the issue.

The South Australian, Victorian, Tasmanian, Queensland and Northern Territory branches of the party have all formally endorsed a policy of adopting same-sex marriage as a policy of the federal ALP, as has the ALP Women’s National Conference, while ACT leader Katy Gallagher is on the record as a supporter.

NSW Labor leader John Robertson is also a supporter. However he is yet to indicate whether he believes there is enough support at the NSW conference to pass a similar motion.

Australian Marriage Equality national convenor Alex Greenwich (pictured), welcomed the motion.

“This motion ensures that the majority of Western Australians who support marriage equality will have their views represented at the ALP National Conference in December,” Greenwich said, declaring the passing of the motion to be another win for the ALP rank and file.

“This is an exciting time for the grass roots members of the ALP who have been actively campaigning for marriage equality,” Greenwich said.

The vote comes the same day as New York legalised same-sex marriage.