Support swamps marriage inquiry
Gay rights groups and conservative lobbyists are rallying their supporters as the state government’s inquiry into same-sex marriage nears the end of its submissions process.
In a statement sent to supporters, conservative Christian lobby group FamilyVoice Australia called on its members to send submissions opposing same-sex marriage to the NSW government’s Social Issues Committee into the possibility of enacting state-based marriage law.
“‘Same-sex marriage’ does not make sense. Jesus was very clear that marriage is between a man and a woman,” FamilyVoice wrote in a statement.
“Marriage is a federal issue under the Australian Constitution, so a NSW bill relating to marriage or ‘same-sex marriage’ would be invalid and unconstitutional.”
However, their efforts do not yet appear to be having a substantive effect. With the committee due to close submissions on Friday March 1, those received so far indicate an overwhelming level of support for the proposed reform. Of the more than 100 people who have submitted their views to the inquiry, all but three have expressed support for state-based gay marriage.
The NSW cross-party working group for marriage equality, comprised of state MPs from every major party, used the opportunity provided by Mardi Gras’ Fair Day on Sunday to raise awareness of the inquiry and encourage people to send in submissions of support.
Sydney state MP Alex Greenwich, who is a member of the working group, was optimistic about the response they received.
“We received over 750 pledges from people who’ve promised to submit, and we’re talking with a number of current and former state and federal politicians who’ve promised to pledge their support for equal marriage to the inquiry,” Greenwich said.
“As someone who’s been advocating for same-sex marriage for a long time, it’s really inspiring to be part of a group that includes someone from every single political party. We’ve never seen that before, and I think it’ll play a major factor in the success of the campaign.”
The committee was established by Premier Barry O’Farrell in November following the failure of three federal same-sex marriage bills in 2012. State-based same-sex marriage pushes are also expected in South Australia and Tasmania later this year, but may face legal and constitutional complications if legislation comes into conflict with the Commonwealth Marriage Act.
