Marriage equality advocates say Senator Dean Smith has put forward the most compelling case yet for a Government free vote on marriage equality by highlighting how Sydney siege hero, Tori Johnson, was not able to marry his partner.
WA Senator, Dean Smith, an openly-gay social conservative who previously opposed marriage equality, has declared his support for the reform citing the death of Tori Johnson as the reason.
Senator Smith said,
“The reality is that if they had wanted to get married, that opportunity was denied to them until they day of the siege and is now lost to them because Tori Johnson is no longer here. When that dawned on me I was overcome with a lot of sadness because that’s something I could help correct.”
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“We congratulate Senator Smith for his principled change of heart on marriage equality.”
“Senator Smith has put forward the most compelling case yet for a Coalition free vote on marriage equality by pointing out that heroes like Tori Johnson should not be treated like second-class citizens.”
“Senator Smith’s change of heart is also compelling because of his strong record in defence of traditional values.”
“He is effectively saying to his colleagues that allowing same-sex couples to marry upholds family values and tradition rather than undermining them.”
Mr Croome said the Liberal Party has a long record of allowing its members the freedom to vote according to their consciences on a wide range of issues, including marriage law reform and homosexual law reform.”
“A free vote on marriage equality fits well within this tradition.”
Before the last election Coalition leader, Tony Abbott, said the Coalition party room would be allowed to debate and decide on whether to allow itself a marriage equality free vote after the election.
For a news report on Senator Smith’s change of heart, click here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date 20 February 2015