Mon 12 Sep 2016 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Two private member marriage equality bills have been tabled in Australia’s House of Representatives today The first bill was introduced by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and was directly followed by a cross-party bill co-sponsored by The Greens’ Adam Bandt and independents Andrew Wilkie and Cathy McGowan. Australian LGBTI media outlet, Same Same reports that Shorten told the House of Representatives this morning, “A plebiscite would represent a fundamental failure of this parliament to do its job.” “Putting the question of marriage equality to a national vote risks providing a platform for prejudice and a megaphone for hate speech.” He went on to say “What will stand for all time is extending equality under the law for all Australians…. It’s up to us to summon the courage.” Brandt echoed Shorten’s message saying that if a free vote were to be held as he spoke, a marriage equality bill would pass in the House. Both politicians agreed that it doesn’t matter which party’s name is on the bill but that marriage equality be passed. The two bills will be debated in Australian Parliament next month.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 12th September 2016 - 1:40pm