Monday 7 August 2017

It's D-Day for the Lieberals on marriage equality (video)

The ball is firmly in the Lieberals court today on marriage equality. Today they have their party room meeting to discuss the issue. They have it in their hands once again to let the parliament decide in a free vote (in which case it will very likely pass) or to continue stalling and sticking to the controversial postal plebisicte; and idea worse than the original plebiscite idea and which would likely fail when challenged in the High Court. As dumb as it is, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if they went for the latter.

 Whatever the  Lieberals decide today, this is a history making point in the struggle for marriage equality in Australia. Never before has such a comprehensive bill on the issue come before the federal parliament, and never before has a parliament had the numbers to pass the bill as they do in this parliament. The only thing standing in the way is the Lieberal party and Turnbull's lack of leadership to allow a free vote.

 From The Equality Campaign (they have a new page set up here to update on progress or lack of it) email:
This moment builds on years of work from supportive politicians in our parliament — there have been numerous marriage equality bills from Greens, Labor and the cross bench over the years. Each of these has served an important purpose, building support and drawing attention to the need for change.

  Today we are especially excited because no bill has gone through a more rigorous process, nor had a more genuine chance of passing. At the end of last year, the Senate established a special inquiry to explore what marriage equality legislation should look like in Australia. This working group of Liberal, National, Labor, Greens, and Xenophon Team Senators worked together and openly consulted with thousands of Australians.

  Thousands of you mobilised to contribute to this inquiry when I wrote to you — sharing what you wanted and expected from any legislation designed to deliver marriage equality. After engaging widely with the community, these Senators reached consensus on a pathway forward for marriage equality. Now those recommendations have been turned into a Bill and triggered a new discussion on how to get legislation into and passed by our Parliament.

  The time has come for every couple to be treated equally under the law. Australians don’t want more excuses or delaying tactics from our politicians – we want marriage equality and this Bill heading to Parliament will deliver it. Let’s get on with it!

Hopefully, we will be able to celebrate together soon,

  Anna Brown
The Equality Campaign 






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