Adovcates say unanimous support from the NSW Lower House for a free vote on marriage equality will increase pressure on Tony Abbott to allow a free vote federally.
A free vote motion was passed unanimously in the Coalition-dominated chamber this afternoon and comes at a time when the Federal Coalition is under pressure to allow its members to vote freely on the issue rather than being bound by party policy.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“This motion increases pressure on Tony Abbott to allow a free vote for Liberal and National members.”
“The New South Wales Legislative Assembly is the first Coalition-dominated chamber in Australia to send the Federal Coalition the message that it’s time for a marriage equality free vote.”
“We congratulate Alex Greenwich MP for putting forward the motion and all members for supporting it.”
“NSW Premier, Mike Baird, has shown great leadership by allowing members of the NSW Coalition Government a free to vote on marriage equality despite his opposition to the reform, and Tony Abbott should now show the same leadership by paying Federal Government MPs the same respect.”
“The NSW Parliament is reflecting the views of a strong majority of Australians who want all MPs to be free to vote for marriage equality.”
The Federal Senate and the ACT Legislative Assembly have also supported motions calling for a Coalition marriage equality free vote.
