Senate puts “people’s vote” into the hands of people

While the cross-party marriage equality bill is still live in the House of Representatives, the Senate has established an inquiry into any plebiscite that would be held on marriage equality.

“This brings discussions over a plebiscite from behind the closed doors of the Liberal and National party room out into the open,” said the Australian Greens LGBTIQ issues Senator Janet Rice.

Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt says he will push ahead for a vote on his Marriage Equality Bill next week as a new national poll backs marriage equality.

A new Roy Morgan Poll shows 65% of Australian electors support same-sex marriage compared to 35% that don’t support it. Clear support is evident across all States and is higher amongst Women (70% support gay marriage) than Men (59% support gay marriage).

Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt and Senator Sarah Hanson-Young have announced a date for a vote on Mr Bandt's Marriage Equality Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives.
 
Mr Bandt will seek to bring on a vote on the Bill on Thursday, June 6 to make same-sex marriage lawful in Australia.
 
“Following successful votes in the New Zealand, UK and France this vote will ensure every MP’s position is clear before the election,” Mr Bandt said.
 
“Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard will have an opportunity to get behind the tide of history.”
 

The House of Representatives restarted debate on the Greens' Marriage Equality Amendment Bill today.

Speaking at a media conference following the debate Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Ivan Hinton from Australian Marriage Equality called on Tony Abbott to allow a conscience vote on the bill ahead of the September election.

"Marriage equality is inevitable and Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard need to get on board with the change sweeping the world," Adam Bandt said.

Greens MP Adam Bandt has welcomed a Parliamentary committee's opening of an online survey into the two Marriage Equality Bills before the House of Representatives.

"I think we will get a fantastic response. There is so much interest in the community. Giving people an easy way to express their views online will be a great thing," Mr Bandt said.

"The previous Senate inquiry was overwhelmed with a record number of submissions, so this is a good way for people's views to be taken into account."

"It's time for equal love supporters to get online."

It is with great pride that I present the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2012 and the explanatory memorandum. Today is the eve of Valentine's Day-a big day for love in the Australian parliament. We have here the first equal marriage bill ever to be introduced in this chamber.