Thu 20 Sep 2012 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Australia’s House of Representatives has voted heavily against a marriage equality bill, and while its supporters are heartbroken, they are staying optimistic. While Labor allowed a conscience vote, the coalition did not, and the bill was defeated 42-98. Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott sat on the same side of the chamber to vote against it. A Green MP had tried to prevent the vote going ahead, until coalition members were given a conscience vote. The House of Representatives is also considering another bill to legalise same sex marriage. Alex Greenwich is remaining optimistic Australian Marriage Equality national convenor Alex Greenwich remains confident same-sex couples will be marrying somewhere in Australia by the end of the year. "Even though the House of Representatives has voted down marriage equality 98 to 42, more MPs have chosen the right side of history than ever before and we are confident support will only grow,” he says. "The reasoned speeches in favour, and the extremist statements against, will help to ensure the next time this issue is voted on there will be far more support for equality. "Now the federal parliament has effectively brushed the wishes of a majority of Australians aside, the states and territories will take the lead, making me confident we will see same-sex marriages performed somewhere in Australia by the end of the year." Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays spokeswoman Shelley Argent says parents with gay and lesbian children know a majority of Australians support their kids being treated equally, and believe it is inevitable politicians will too. Greenwich and Argent have thanked the hundreds of thousands of Australians who have written to their federal MPs and to parliamentary inquiries in supportof marriage equality since the 2010 election put the issue firmly on the political agenda. "Polls show ever more Australians support marriage equality ever more passionately, which is why this reform is inevitable", Greenwich says. "It is heartbreaking that the cards have been stacked against us because of Labor's refusal to vote as a party and the Coalition's refusal to allow a conscience vote, but the desire of the majority of Australians to see their gay friends and family members treated with respect and dignity will win out,” he adds. "What we can be sure of is that future generations will judge very harshly those politicians who have been speed bumps on the road to equality." Update: A similar bill has also been voted down in the Senate.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 20th September 2012 - 10:37am