Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has given notice that he will move a Private Member’s Bill in the House of Representatives on Monday which will finally bring about marriage equality in Australia.

 

The Bill will be seconded by Deputy Leader Tanya Plibersek.

 

“The time has well and truly come for the Parliament to debate marriage equality,” said Mr Shorten.

 

“Our current law excludes some individuals – and to me, that is unacceptable.

 

“It says to them: your relationships are not equally valued by the state, your love is less equal under the law.

 

“I know this Private Member’s Bill will not have the universal support of my colleagues. It will challenge the deeply held personal beliefs of MPs and Senators on both sides of politics.

 

“This is why Labor Members have a free vote – a freedom Tony Abbott is currently denying his party.

 

“For marriage equality to happen, Tony Abbott has to give his MPs a free vote.”

 

Tanya Plibersek said its clear there is mood for change in the community.

 

A recent poll indicates about 72 per cent of Australians support same sex marriage.

 

“In Government, Labor amended 85 Commonwealth laws to eliminate discrimination against same sex couples including for superannuation, Centrelink, Medicare, and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme,” Ms Plibersek said.

 

“We also passed legislation to provide protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status.”

 

“But marriage equality is unfinished business.

 

“Let’s get this done.”

 

WEDNESDAY, 27 MAY 2015

 

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