|
Opposition to Civil Unions Welcomed |
|
News -
Australian News
|
|
Written by AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
|
|
Friday, 03 September 2010 07:01 |
 VOW TO CONTINUE EQUALITY FIGHT WELCOMED
Australian marriage equality advocates have welcomed comments from Green MHR-elect Adam Bandt opposing a national civil union scheme as a substitute for full marriage equality because it would "entrench two-tiers of relationships".
Yesterday on Melbourne radio station JOY 94.9 FM Mr Bandt said he would not support any proposal for a national civil union scheme instead of marriage equality because "it may be that we only get one shot at this, and it may be that that actually puts it off...that if we vote for that, that we're entrenching two tiers of relationships".
Mr Greenwich said Mr Bandt's opposition to a national civil union scheme instead of equality in marriage will send a strong message to the Labor Party not to put forward such a proposal.
"Mr Bandt is correct that a national civil union scheme instead of equality in marriage would entrench discrimination rather than remove it."
A transcript of Mr Bandt's comments are included below.
Mr Greenwich said he is disappointed Labor refused requests from the Greens and Tasmanian independent, Andrew Wilkie, to have a conscience vote on marriage equality, but welcomed commitments from both to continue to fight for the issue.
"We know a large number of federal MPs personally support marriage equality but are prohibited from voicing this support by outdated party policies that are unlikely to change soon", Mr Greenwich said.
"A conscience vote would allow MPs who support equality to represent the majority of Australians who do too."
"We will continue to work with all parties and independents in the hope of achieving a conscience vote, and welcome the commitment of the Greens and Andrew Wilkie to continue fighting for equality."
A transcript of Mr Bandt's comments are included below.
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.
Bandt interview on JOY FM, 2.9.10
Doug Pollard: We know the Greens are committed to marriage equality but suppose Let's say Labor puts up a national civil union scheme instead of full equality and the Coalition maintains its current opposition to such a scheme, would you go for that, or would you vote it it down until until marriage equality is achieved?
Bandt: My inclination would be to not support that. It may be that we only get one shot at this, and it may be that that actually puts it off...that if we vote for that, that we're entrenching two tiers of relationships.
|
