Marriage Equality Australia (AME) have welcomed support for reforming Australia’s marriage laws from Tasmanian Labor Senator, Catryna Bilyk.

AME have said the senator’s support boosts the case for a free vote in Parliament instead of a plebiscite on the issue.

- Advertisement -

In an article in today’s Hobart Mercury, Senator Bilyk, who has previously voted against marriage equality, reportedly wrote, “the laws of our society should reflect the views of members of that society, and it is clear our society wants the legislation of marriage equality”.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, welcomed senator Bilyk’s comments.

“I applaud Senator Bilyk for representing the Tasmanian community’s strong support marriage equality.”

“Thanks to Senator Bilyk, and other MPs who have recently shifted position, there is now majority support in Parliament and no need for an expensive, costly and divisive plebiscite.”

“If the Government allowed a free vote in parliament we could achieve marriage equality by mid this year and Australia could move on.”

In her article Senator Bilyk reportedly described a plebiscite as “a joke” adding “marriage equality requires deeper consideration than a simple yes/no answer”.

OIP Staff