议员问卷对同性婚姻伸出橄榄枝

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http://www.canberratimes.com.au/ ... 20120523-1z5tm.html


MP survey shows signs of gay marriage change

May 24, 2012

Opponents of same-sex marriage outnumber declared supporters of marriage equality in the Federal Parliament, according to a stocktake by campaigners.

But advocates remain hopeful of achieving change this year, with supporters and those who are undecided comprising a majority of both houses.

Australian Marriage Equality researched the positions of MPs and Senators by examining their media statements, remarks in Parliament, correspondence to constituents and by direct inquiries.

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In the house of representatives, 52 MPs (35 per cent) oppose same-sex marriage, while 35 (23 per cent) support it and 63 (42 per cent) have yet to declare their position. In the upper house, 26 Senators (34 per cent) support same-sex marriage, while 19 (25 per cent) oppose it and 31 (41 per cent) are undecided.

Three separate bills to legalise same-sex marriage are currently before the Parliament, and at least one is expected to be voted on later this year. However, each of the bills is headed for defeat unless coalition MPs are allowed a free vote on the issue.

While Labor MPs are free to vote with their conscience on the issue, opposition leader Tony Abbott has refused to extend the same privilege to coalition MPs, arguing to do so would be inconsistent with its pre-election position of opposition to change.

Australian Marriage Equality will today launch a website to allow users to view information about their representative's position, and send a message to them with their views.

Australian Marriage Equality national convener Alex Greenwich said, ''When we do the numbers what is clear is that the future of this reform lies in the hands of the large number of undecided and undeclared politicians and it is these politicians our lobbying efforts will target in the lead-up to the vote.''

The group will also today release a poll of 800 people showing 61 per cent want same-sex marriage legalised in this term of parliament.



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