There’s hope Ireland’s momentous marriage equality vote will give Australia’s push some added momentum. The nation, which requires a referendum to change its constitution, has voted for marriage equality 62.1 per cent to 37.9 per cent. Australia is now the only developed, English-speaking country that doesn't allow same-sex couples to marry. Australian Marriage Equality says Australia's political leaders have no more excuses for dragging the chain on the issue. "Ireland's vote for marriage equality is a win for Australia because it will increase momentum for marriage equality here,” says national convener Rodney Croome. "It will inspire marriage equality supporters to work harder for reform, push more politicians to support it, and quash the myth that Catholics and other people of faith oppose marriage equality." The Australian Christian Lobby has vowed to step up its campaign against marriage equality should Ireland vote 'yes', but Croome says it won't work. "Churches ran a well-funded scare campaign which the Irish didn't buy, and Australians won't buy it either." Australian Marriage Equality recently released figures showing marriage equality has the support of a slim majority of Senators and is only four votes short in the House of Representatives. "The major obstacle to marriage equality is that government members are not allowed a free vote on the issue,” Croome says. "Ireland's nationwide, cross-party support for marriage equality will send a message to the Australian Government that it must allow a free vote or risk isolating Australia yet more from the countries we are closest to." Croome rejects suggestions Australia should follow Ireland down the path of a referendum. "A referendum would be costly, polarising and unnecessary given the High Court has already removed all constitutional obstacles to reform."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 24th May 2015 - 10:02am