Tanya Plibersek, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, on why Australia needs marriage equality now.
What a difference a couple of months can make.
In April I wrote a column for Mamamia saying it was time for marriage equality in Australia. I never imagined that just a few weeks later, we’d be talking about achieving it this year.
About 14 months ago, I sent a letter to all Liberal and National MPs asking them to co-sponsor a marriage equality bill with me. Unfortunately, no one came forward.
After waiting so long, and following the resounding endorsement of marriage equality in Ireland, Bill Shorten and I decided it was time to push things along in Australia.
So yesterday, we introduced a bill for marriage equality into the Parliament.
It was a historic step forward. Bill Shorten became the first leader of a major party to introduce marriage equality legislation into our Parliament.
That moment was a strong show of support for Australians in loving same-sex relationships. It was a statement about who we are as a modern, inclusive nation. It was a promise to young people right around the country, that Australia will soon be a nation where they can be proud of who they are, regardless of who they end up choosing to love.
I was delighted to second the bill yesterday. But we’ve always said the support of members of both major parties is crucial to this reform succeeding.
Top Comments
Oh Tanya, the stench of hypocrisy here is rife. On one hand, you appeal to MPs to vote freely and not make this about party lines, yet at the same time, you hijack the cause and politicise it with comments about the LNP not seconding the bill, turning up, etc. There would be a great deal more respect for you had you introduced the bill with Bill and let the vote play out - until it has, the rest is irrelevant.
But perhaps the saddest thing is that MPs have forgotten that EVERY vote is a free vote. You are elected as an individual. You don't need permission. Every vote is a 'conscience vote' - you don't get told when to exercise your rights to represent the people that elected you - it's your mandate.
Get this done already! I'm getting married this year and my fiance and I are of course overjoyed. What has really surprised us are the ripples/tidal waves of joy in our families and social circles. Weddings are beautiful, hopeful, loving events. Let's open up that love and happiness to everyone:)