Advocates say Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s decision to ditch plans to repeal section 18c of the Race Discrimination Act gives them hope for a conscience vote on marriage equality.
Mr Abbott made “a leadership call” on the RDA saying it was a matter of national unity and being “part of Team Australia”.
Australian Marriage Equality deputy director Ivan Hinton-Teoh said, “Today, the Prime Minister showed leadership by putting his own views aside and embracing majority opinion.” “We hope he will do the same by allowing a conscience vote on marriage equality.”
In his media conference the Prime Minister said, “in the end, leadership is about preserving national unity on the essentials and that is why I have taken this decision.”
Mr Hinton-Teoh said, “With 72% of Australians supporting marriage equality and 77% supporting a Coalition free vote it’s clear ‘Team Australia’ wants marriage equality.”
For more information contact Ivan Hinton-Teoh on 0419 124 826.
Author: Ivan Hinton-Teoh
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 5 August 2014