Equality advocates say the results of a survey released today by the Australian National University (ANU) show the Government will benefit from allowing marriage equality to pass. The survey found record high support for marriage equality (70%) but record low satisfaction in the Government and democratic system.
“The Government has an excellent opportunity to restore faith in the political system and boost its own support by allowing a free vote so marriage equality can pass,” says Just.equal spokesperson, Ivan Hinton-Teoh. “Australians desperately want the Government to show leadership on issues like marriage equality instead of continuing to delay and frustrate reform.”
The Senate is currently holding an inquiry into the Government’s proposed marriage amendment bill and just.equal is encouraging everyday Australians to write their own submission – which can be completed via: www.equal.org.au/bestmarriagebillever
Mr Hinton-Teoh said he is particularly concerned by the Government’s proposal to broaden anti-discrimination exemptions specifically targeting LGBTI couples and potentially their families. “Each of us has an opportunity to help guide the Senate towards support for the best marriage equality bill ever. I encourage everyone to contribute at this critical moment.”
For more information on the ANU’s Australian Election Study, visit: www.australianelectionstudy.org for details.