GetUp and Australian Marriage Equality have today presented a massive pro-marriage equality petition of over 140,000 signatures to the Labor Party National Conference.
“This petition confirms what polls already show – Australians say “I Do” to marriage equality,” Australian Marriage Equality National Convener, Alex Greenwich, said. “The Australian public has spoken and I’m confident Labor is listening.”
“If, as predicted, the Labor Party changes its platform to support marriage equality it will be a victory for love over prejudice and for equality over discrimination.”
“This weekend delegates to the Labor Party National Conference will vote on whether or not legislated discrimination is acceptable to the Australian Labor Party and to the Australian people,” GetUp National Director Simon Sheikh said. “Petitions like the one we have presented today and consistent polling show that the majority of Australians support this change and it is fundamentally the right thing to do, so it’s time for delegates to step up do the right thing, to end inequality under the law.”
“Many delegates have already expressed their support for change, not only is this welcome but it also provides young gay and lesbian Australians with hope that one day they will be able to live the life of their dreams,” Mr Sheikh said. “The mental health impacts of discrimination cannot be underestimated and that’s why we and over 140,000 other Australians urge delegates to change the Labor Platform to recognise marriage as a commitment made by two people who love each other, regardless of their gender.”
Mr Greenwich said if the party platform is changed, a conscience vote should not be offered.
“Any new policy should be a binding one,” Mr Greenwich said. “The Labor Party voted as a bloc to entrench discrimination in the Marriage Act in 2004, and they should vote as a bloc now to end that discrimination.” Mr Greenwich said. “But if the Party settles for a conscience vote we are still confident the issue will move forward, the momentum on this issue is unstoppable.”
“There are many people in the Coalition who support equality.”
Mr Sheikh also pointed to marriage equality as an issue important to the Party’s commitment to reform and renewal.
“To be true to that it’s important that no matter who opposes ending marriage discrimination the voices of delegates are heard loud and clear,” Mr Sheikh said. “Labor’s fundamental values are ones of equity, social justice and fairness.”
“This issue, more than so many others which will be debated over the coming days, defines those values.”
For further information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335 or Paul Mackay on 0415 182 402
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The Petition reads:
Prime Minister Gillard, delegates to the ALP National Conference: Not allowing same-sex couples to marry denies them and their families legal equality and perpetuates discrimination and prejudice. The overwhelming majority of Australians support full marriage equality and it is the right thing to do. Marriage matters: amend the Commonwealth Marriage Act so that same-sex partners can be wed.
Those who accepted the petition include:
Richard Wynne MP, Shadow Minister for Local Government and State Member for Richmond
Jane Garrett MP, Member for Brunswick
Laura Smyth MP. Federal Member for La Trobe
Lara Giddings, Premier of Tasmania
Jamie Newlyn, SA Branch Secretary
Penny Sharpe MLC (NSW Shadow Minister for Transport)
Andrew Barr MLA (Deputy Chief Minister ACT)
Senator Louise Pratt (Labor Senator for WA)
Anthony Albanese MP (Federal Member for Grayndler and Minister for Infrastructure)
Senator Gavin Marshall (Labor Senator for Victoria)
Doug Cameron (Labor Senator for NSW)
Steve McCartney (State Secretary, AMWU WA)
Katrine Hildyard (Branch Secretary, ASU SANT)
Alanna Clohesy (President, WA Branch, ALP)
Hon Jon Ford MLC (Parliament of WA)
Hon Dr Sally Talbot MLC (Parliament of WA)
Sally McManus (Secretary, ASU)