Marriage equality advocates say support for marriage equality from former Victorian Liberal Premier, Jeff Kennett, increases pressure on Tony Abbott to allow the Coalition a conscience vote on the issue.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome, said:
“Mr Kennett’s support for marriage equality reflects growing support for the issue in Coalition ranks”.
“Like other conservative figures including UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, Mr Kennett understands that allowing same-sex couples to marry removes unnecessary government interference in their lives and helps bind them and their families together more strongly.”
“By refusing a conscience vote, Tony Abbott is refusing Coalition MPs the opportunity to act on their conservative principles.”
Speaking in an interview about marriage equality during a joint broadcast between conservative radio announcer, Neil Mitchell, who also supports the issue, and Melbourne gay radio station, JOY94.9, Mr Kennett said:
”What right have I to say to anyone that if they live within the law, they can’t live their life as they see fit?”
Mr Kennett is the former Premier of Victoria. This is the second time he has supported marriage equality. Tony Abbott has refused to allow Coalition MPs to vote freely and without sanction despite Labor having a conscience vote on the issue. This is the first time that Coalition MPs have been denied a conscience vote on a substantive policy issue when Labor MPs were granted one.
For a report about Mr Kennett’s comments go to:
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/kennett-calls-for-respect-for-gays-20120503-1y1v0.html
For further comment call Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.