Support for marriage equality has continued to grow today with 28 Senators voting in support of the Greens’ international same-sex marriage bill, including a member of the Opposition who crossed the floor.
The support for equal marriage reform grew by two votes from the 26 Senators who backed marriage equality last year.
“Today this parliament voted to uphold discrimination against gay and lesbian Australians but, in a promising sign for the future, it is clear that support for equality continues to grow,” the Greens’ LGBTI spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“If Tony Abbott’s sister Christine were to marry her partner in New Zealand, this bill would have meant their relationship was recognised here in Australia.
“Today, 28 Senators acknowledged that it is not fair for the government to make same-sex couples leave their marriage certificates at the customs gate after wedding overseas.
“The Greens welcome the support of Coalition Senator Sue Boyce and will continue to stand up for all Australians, regardless of their sexuality.
“Having a strong alternative voice in the Senate to stand up to Tony Abbott’s extreme agenda will be more important than ever after the election and many Australians will be thinking long and hard about how they vote in September.
“Marriage Equality will happen because the Greens will keep fighting for it.”
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