Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has challenged statements made by fellow South Australian Senator Penny Wong on the ABC's Q&A program last night.
Senator Wong asserted that Labor's position of denying same-sex couples the right to legally marry is in line with the views of the Australian community.
"The statements made by Senator Wong on Q&A last night are out of touch with the view of the majority of Australians," said Senator Hanson-Young.
Recent polls show that the Australian public is supportive of same-sex marriage. The readers' poll in The Age on 2 May 2008 had 79% of respondents in support of gay couples being allowed to marry. The West Australian's iGeneration poll of January this year also found the majority of its respondents to be in favour of gay marriage.
"These polls back up what the Greens have known for a long time - the community is way ahead of the old parties when it comes to this issue. Australia is ready to honour the basic human right of allowing adults to marry whomever they love, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation," said Senator Hanson-Young.
"I urge the Federal Government to open their ears to what is actually happening in hearts and minds in this country, and to back the Australian people and the Greens' policy of legalising same-sex marriage."
An amendment will be moved by Senator Hanson-Young to remove all types of discrimination against same-sex couples in federal law, including marriage.
Senator Hanson-Young is a member of the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and will be attending hearings for the inquiry into same-sex rights in Commonwealth legislation next week:
Tuesday 5 August - Sydney Masonic Centre, 66 Goulburn St, Sydney
Wednesday 6 August - St James Court Conference Centre, 12 Batman St, Melbourne
Thursday 7 August - Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra
For further information please call Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760