Yahoo Lifestyle Is Same-Sex Marriage One Step Closer?
Bill Shorten and Tanya Plibersek will present a marriage-equality bill. Photo: Getty
Facebook almost went into meltdown last night after it was announced via Bill Shorten and Tanya Plibersek’s pages they have given formal notice they will present a bill for marriage equality to parliament next week.
The Opposition Leader stated: “It’s time for our laws to reflect the values of modern Australia and to include everyone as equals … Make marriage equality a reality.”
Meanwhile, Plibersek (who features with her husband in June issue of marie claire) reflected that: “The time for marriage equality in Australia has well and truly come. Together we can get this done.”
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the bold move was signed off by the shadow cabinet yesterday and will force Prime Minister Tony Abbott to confront the issue faster than expected.
But for marriage equality to happen, Mr Shorten told the newspaper, “Tony Abbott has to give his MPs a free vote.”
Earlier this week – in the wake of Ireland’s historic vote – the Prime Minister ruled out the idea of a referendum on same-sex marriage in Australia. He also said it was a matter for the Coalition partyroom to decide whether MPs get a conscience vote.
Meanwhile in the Senate, the Greens have brought forward on a debate on their own marriage equality bill to June 18 in order to capitalise on the momentum from Ireland. They have also set November 12 as the date for a Senate vote on the bill.
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