Call on Abbott to adopt Bush’s “even handed” approach.
Australian marriage equality advocates have welcomed the first marriages of same-sex couples in the US state of Florida and called on Tony Abbott to adopt the “even-handed” approach to the issue of former Florida Governor and marriage equality opponent, Jeb Bush.
Florida joins 35 other US states which allow same-sex couples to marry, bringing the total of Americans who live with marriage equality to 70%.
Australian Marriage equality national convener, Rodney Croome, said,
“Florida’s move to marriage equality highlights how far Australia is falling behind.”
“Australians who support marriage equality will be happy for those Florida couples who can now marry but embarrassed by our government’s failure to allow the issue to progress by granting a free vote for MPs.”
“Even US states like Utah and Oklahoma have marriage equality, not to mention countries we are closest to like New Zealand and the UK.”
Former Florida Governor, potential presidential hopeful and long-time marriage equality opponent, Jeb Bush, struck a conciliatory tone in response to the decision, declaring,
“I hope that we can show respect for the good people on all sides of the gay and lesbian marriage issue — including couples making lifetime commitments to each other who are seeking greater legal protections and those of us who believe marriage is a sacrament and want to safeguard religious liberty.”
Mr Croome called on Tony Abbott to follow Mr Bush’s example and treat both sides of the debate even-handedly by allowing a free vote for Coalition MPs and Senators.
“If an opponent of marriage equality like Jeb Bush can acknowledge there is merit in the case for marriage equality, it’s time Tony Abbott did the same by allowing a free vote on the issue.”
For a news report, click here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 6 January 2015