A Tasmanian Labor senator has challenged Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s stance towards marriage equality.
In an adjournment speech to the Senate last night in Canberra, Anne Urquhart said allowing gays and lesbians to marry would bring down the last pillar of legalised discrimination that fuelled homophobia.
Ms Gillard says she supports the Marriage Act in its present form and will not legislate to change it.
But in the lead-up to what is expected to be a fiery ALP national conference, the Prime Minister has called for a conscience vote to be held on the issue.
Ms Urquhart called on the ALP conference to take the necessary steps to amend the Marriage Act to give any two adults, regardless of sex, sexuality or gender identity, equality in marriage.
For the full article, click here.
For Senator Brown and Urquhhart’s media release, see below.
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MEDIA RELEASE
SENATOR CAROL BROWN, LABOR SENATOR FOR TASMANIA, DEPUTY GOVERNMENT WHIP IN THE SENATE
SENATOR ANNE URQUHART, LABOR SENATOR FOR TASMANIA, TASMANIAN LEFT CONVENOR
Monday 21 November 2011
TASMANIAN SENATORS BUILD MOMENTUM FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Labor Senators for Tasmania, Carol Brown and Anne Urquhart today pledged their continued support for Marriage Equality during debate in the Australian Senate.
Senator Urquhart said that when marriage equality is debated at the Australian Labor Party’s National Conference next week, together with the clear majority of Tasmanian delegates, she will vote for a binding caucus vote in support of Marriage Equality.
“We must amend the Marriage Act to allow any two adults, regardless of sex, sexuality or gender identity, the honour and privilege of standing in front of their family and friends and make a commitment to each other.
“I acknowledge that this debate is difficult and that the community is divided but we need the Government to stand united in pursuit of equality, fairness and dignity for all. Now is the time to remove the last piece of legislated discrimination that I believe fuels homophobia in this country.
“Recently I had the mother of a nine year old boy tell me of the fear her son has of being bullied if he shares stories of his weekend with his mum and her same-sex partner.
“I challenge those who continue to oppose marriage equality through the pretence of protecting children to look this boy in the eyes and say that the current laws are protecting him,” Senator Urquhart said.
Senator Carol Brown said Marriage Equality was fundamentally about civil rights and legislative reform that will give two people who love each other the freedom to celebrate and define their commitment in whatever way they choose.
“As we bring on this debate at the ALP Conference I call on my colleagues to approach this issue with maturity, moral courage and human empathy.
“Labor has the opportunity to continue our strong and proud tradition of equality and preserve Australia’s reputation as a proud, multicultural, multi-faith, vibrant and diverse country,” Senator Carol Brown said.
Media Enquiries:
Matt Nesham (Senator Urquhart) 0431 010 454
Rikki Mawad (Senator Brown) 0439 148 542
Senator Urquhart will make an adjournment speech to the Senate, scheduled for 9.50pm 21 November 2011. Watch live at http://webcast.aph.gov.au/livebroadcasting/