Malcolm Turnbull says he fully expects free vote this year.
Lindsay MP, Fiona Scott, found strong support for same-sex marriage at a recent forum in Penrith.
Local marriage equality advocate, Wayne Chilver, who was at the forum at the Peachtree Hotel on Thursday night said 70 to 80 of the 100 people present raised their hands when Ms Scott asked who supported the issue.
“It was great to see such strong support in an audience that represented a cross-section of the Penrith community”, Mr Chilver said.
“I hope Fiona Scott listens to community forums like this and votes for marriage equality when the time comes.”
Penrith mother, Joanne Leahy, asked Ms Scott about her stance on the issue, to which Ms Scott replied that she will vote in accordance with her electorate. Ms Scott then asked the audience for its view.
Ms Leahy asked Malcolm Turnbull, the other MP present, when the government will allow a free vote on the issue.
Mr Turnbull reaffirmed his support for marriage equality and said he fully expects a free vote later this year.
The electorate of Lindsay is being targetted by marriage equality advocates. A series of forums, workshops and public stalls were held in Penrith two weeks ago, with more planned.
The events attracted leading national advocates including the national spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Shelley Argent, and the Deputy Director of Australian Marriage equality, Ivan Hinton-Teoh.
Mr Chilver said,
“Penrith is an inclusive community and so far we have found strong support for marriage equality.”
“Our aim is to demonstrate this strong community support to Fiona Scott so she, in turn, supports this overdue reform.”
For more information contact Wayne Chilver on 0425 150 683.
Author: Wayne Chilver
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 20 April 2015