Updated 15:00 20th June 2011

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WA Labor Leader Eric Ripper has announced his support for same sex marriage ahead of this weekend’s State Labor Conference. Mr Ripper commented to OUTinPerth,

‘I note from recent polling that my views are in the majority of those in society who support gay marriage and I expect a similar feeling would be held by the majority those delegates attending state conference.’

OUTinPerth understands Rainbow Labor WA will be submitting the motion to support same sex marriage and encouraging federal Labor to amend the current Marriage Act.

Australian Marriage Equality’s National Convener Alex Greenwich welcomed Mr Ripper’s annoucement,

‘We applaud Mr Ripper for taking a principled stance in support of equality and for representing the views of the majority of West Australians who also support equality.’

Federal member for Fremantle Melissa Parke has previously announced her support for same sex marriage and long time GLBT rights advocates federal Senator Louise Pratt, Maylands MLA Lisa Baker and Perth MLA John Hyde are known to be in favour of change.

Graeme Watson