Marriage equality advocates have welcomed the most recent AGE/Nielsen Poll that shows support for marriage equality is on the rise especially amongst Labor voters.
The Poll comes as the Prime Minister has re-affirmed her opposition to marriage equality and pre-empted the outcome of Labor’s National Conference by proposing a conscience vote on the matter (details here)
According to Australian marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich,
“A majority of Australians, and Labor members and voters, want the Prime Minister to lead the country towards equality, not support outcomes designed to scuttle progress”.
“The families and friends of gay and lesbian Australians are demanding the Prime Minister act in accordance with public opinion, human rights and Labor principles, but the only people she’s paying attention to are conservative union boss, Joe De Bruyn, and the tiny Labor faction he speaks for.”
The poll puts national support for marriage equality at 62% (up 5% from Nielsen’s 2010 poll), with 71% of Labor voters supporting the reform. The support is highest amongst young voters at 80%, and more coalition voters support reform than oppose it (50% for, 44% against). The release of the poll comes as the Prime Minister re-affirmed that her opposition to same-sex marriage is based on the “particular meaning and standing of marriage”.(Full poll coverage here )
Mr Greenwich warned that the Prime Minister’s stance would lead to a voter backlash.
“Marriage equality is a vote winner for Labor, with Galaxy estimating a swing upwards of 5% if they it same-sex marriage”
“But failure to deliver, will result in yet more voters switching to the Greens, especially in inner city seats where support for reform is highest”.
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.