Premium Content:

Senate Calls for Prime Minister to Allow Conscience Vote

Sarah_Hanson-Young_Headshot

The Australian Senate has called on Prime Minister Tony Abbott to allow all Coalition members a conscience vote on marriage equality.

- Advertisement -

A motion put forward by Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young read:

  • “That the Senate agrees that all members of Parliament and senators should be granted a conscience vote on the issue of equal marriage in Australia.”

Senator Hanson-Young, who is The Greens LGBTI spokesperson said it was time the Prime Minister allowed MPs to vote with their conscience.

“The Senate has told Tony Abbott it’s time he stopped gagging his members and gave them a free vote on marriage equality,” Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

“Most Australians understand that there is no room for discrimination in Australia and they’re just waiting for Tony Abbott to catch up.

“The Greens are ready to work with anyone from any political party to get marriage equality over the line.

“In passing this motion, the Senate’s message to the Prime Minister is clear; get on with it and stop delaying this essential reform.”

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, welcomed the motion.

“Tony Abbott has been sent a direct message by the Senate to allow a free vote so marriage equality can move forward.”

“Before the election he promised the Liberal/National party room would be able to debate a marriage equality free vote and it’s high time he fulfilled that promise.”

“It borders on the absurd that we have the Liberal and National parties – parties that say they are champions of individual freedom – not allowing a free vote and not even supporting a motion calling for one.” Croome said.

Croome said it is deeply embarrassing to many Australians that same-sex marriages are allowed in Alabama but not Australia.

“When you’re human rights record is worse than Alabama’s you know you’re in trouble.”

“If, as seems likely, Ireland endorses marriage equality in a referendum in May, Australia will be the only developed, English-speaking country without the reform.”

OIP Staff

Latest

Documentary on Merchant Ivory highlights their long personal and professional relationship

For decades James Ivory and Ismail Merchant kept their personal relationship secret.

PrideFEST: Queer Prom celebrates all things bright, bold and beautiful

Queer Prom promises a world of colourful camp and glittery glitz especially made for LGBTQIA+ young folks here in WA.

Callout for Transgender Day of Remembrance speakers and performers

Transgender Day of Remembrance is coming up later this month, an important opportunity to honour trans and gender diverse lives.

Review | ‘The Moogai’ exposes horror of intergenerational trauma

“The Stolen Generation is such a massive wound in the psyche of Australia, but it is often thought of as something in the past."

Newsletter

Don't miss

Documentary on Merchant Ivory highlights their long personal and professional relationship

For decades James Ivory and Ismail Merchant kept their personal relationship secret.

PrideFEST: Queer Prom celebrates all things bright, bold and beautiful

Queer Prom promises a world of colourful camp and glittery glitz especially made for LGBTQIA+ young folks here in WA.

Callout for Transgender Day of Remembrance speakers and performers

Transgender Day of Remembrance is coming up later this month, an important opportunity to honour trans and gender diverse lives.

Review | ‘The Moogai’ exposes horror of intergenerational trauma

“The Stolen Generation is such a massive wound in the psyche of Australia, but it is often thought of as something in the past."

Chappell Roan debuts sapphic country track ‘The Giver’ on ‘SNL’

Chappell Roan's trajectory to superstardom is unlike anything we’ve seen in a very long time.

Documentary on Merchant Ivory highlights their long personal and professional relationship

For decades James Ivory and Ismail Merchant kept their personal relationship secret.

PrideFEST: Queer Prom celebrates all things bright, bold and beautiful

Queer Prom promises a world of colourful camp and glittery glitz especially made for LGBTQIA+ young folks here in WA.

Callout for Transgender Day of Remembrance speakers and performers

Transgender Day of Remembrance is coming up later this month, an important opportunity to honour trans and gender diverse lives.