File Photo Australian marriage equality advocates are pursuing a cross-party model in the hope it will be the answer in their on-going struggle for progress. The nation's new Prime Minister Tony Abbott has admitted to being "uncomfortable" with homosexuality, is opposed to gay marriage and will not allow his MPs a conscience vote in any move to change marriage laws. However polls in Australia show public support for marriage equality and advocates remain resolute in their battle for change. A forum on "The Future of Marriage equality" held last night in Sydney heard from all sides of politics about the need for political cooperation to progress the reform. It heard that Labor and the Greens are already planning the establishment of a cross-party marriage equality working group, which they hope will also include coalition members. "The international experience proves that when supportive politicians work together across party lines reform has a better chance,” Australian Marriage Equality Deputy Director Ivan Hinton says. New Zealand is among the nations where cross-party collaboration allowed a marriage equality law to progress. Panellists at last night's Sydney gathering also made the case for the Labor party to join the Greens in blocking any Federal Government attempts to overturn the ACT's soon to be legislated marriage equality laws. Abbott has instructed Attorney-General George Brandis to seek advice on the legality of the state's move.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 4th October 2013 - 9:42am