2016-09-08
Greens urge Labor to back LGBTIQ Australians, not a plebiscite
The Greens have called on Labor to fully commit to blocking a marriage equality plebiscite, after reports that the ALP is considering a compromise to allow this expensive opinion poll.
"The Greens have listened to the LGBTIQ community, who have made it clear they don’t want a plebiscite under any circumstances," said the Australian Greens LGBTIQ spokesperson Senator Janet Rice.
“We don’t need a massive opinion poll to tell us what we already know – that the vast majority of Australians are ready for marriage equality.”
A recent survey of 5,500 LGBTI Australians - the largest of its kind ever conducted - found 85 per cent opposition to a plebiscite and 60 per cent opposition even if a plebiscite is fairly framed and the only way forward under this Government.
"The strong opposition to any plebiscite comes from the justifiable concern that LGBTIQ people, as well as children of same-sex couples, will be exposed to unprecedented levels of hate and vilification during a plebiscite campaign,” said Senator Rice.
“Labor needs to completely shut the door on a damaging, unnecessary plebiscite.
“We know that love is love and it’s time to put it into law.”
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