AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Media Release
Wednesday May 1st 2013
Even with a referendum, marriage equality will still be in parliament’s hands with one major party still against marriage equality. A referendum will divide the nation not unite it behind reform as there is not enough time to develop referendum question before the election.
Australian Marriage Equality has re-affirmed that a marriage equality referendum would be “pointless and divisive” following support for the move from equality campaign group, Equal Love Melbourne.
AME national convener, Rodney Croome said, “Marriage equality supporters are understandably frustrated that Australia is falling behind other countries, but a referendum is not the quick and easy fix some assume it will be.”
“A plebiscite on the Marriage Act would not be binding and a referendum would simply clarify the constitutional provision dealing with marriage, not change the Marriage Act itself, so in both cases the nation would end up exactly where it is now, with the issue in the hands of parliament.”
“With one major party still against marriage equality and with extremist groups keen to use a referendum to propagate fear, a referendum campaign will inevitably polarise the nation and inflame prejudice.”
“Wherever marriage equality has been achieved it has been through people from diverse backgrounds finding common ground, not the ideological and political clashes a referendum campaign would inevitably involve.”
“Most of all, a referendum simply will not occur because there is not enough time before the September election to develop a question and pass the necessary legislation, and there is absolutely no interest from the major parties in pursuing it.”
Mr Croome said he has confidence in the wide range of opinion polls which show up to 64% of Australians support marriage equality, but he said lobbying politicians remains the most likely way reform will be achieved.
“Australian Marriage Equality will continue to focus on the strategies which have seen more and more politicians comes out in favour of reform, including encouraging ordinary Australians affected by reform to lobby MPs and tell their personal stories.”
“We will also ensure marriage equality is an issue at the September election by mobilising supporters across the nation to advocate, canvass, leaflet, rally and vote for marriage equality.”
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Release Date: 1 May 2013