Prominent MP’s coming out prompts call for Liberal marriage equality free vote.
“As an MP, Mr Harwin has the respect of his colleagues in the Liberal Party, but as a gay man he is yet to to be treated with respect under the Marriage Act.”
– Rodney Croome
Marriage equality advocates have praised NSW Liberal MP, Don Harwin, for publicly declaring he is gay, and have called on the federal Liberal Party to allow a conscience vote on marriage equality in the wake of the prominent Liberal coming out.
In his final address to parliament for the year, Mr Harwin, who is President of the NSW Upper House, said he was the first Liberal MP in Australia to publicly support marriage equality, during a debate about the legal recognition of same-sex relationships in 2010.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“We applaud Mr Harwin as a role model for gay Australians who seek to become community leaders, and as a key voice in the campaign to achieve marriage equality.”
“But it is shameful that someone who has made such an important contribution to public life is still not treated equally by the law.”
“As an MP, Mr Harwin has the respect of his colleagues in the Liberal Party, but as a gay man he is yet to to be treated with respect under the Marriage Act.”
“I call on the federal Liberal Party to have a conscience vote on marriage equality so Mr Harwin and all gay Australians can be equal citizens.”
In his address today Mr Harwin said of marriage equality:
“It is remarkable how quickly public opinion has shifted and, indeed, our house has voted to support marriage equality in principle. I hope that my many friends who are waiting for the opportunity to marry will not have to wait too much longer for the Commonwealth Parliament to reform the law.”
For a news report on Mr Harwin’s statement, click here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 20 November 2014