TASMANIAN Labor senators Helen Polley and Catryna Bilyk have defended their opposition to same-sex marriage after Unions Tasmania secretary Kevin Harkins questioned their views.
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Mr Harkins, a same-sex marriage proponent, said he did not understand how Ms Polley and Ms Bilyk could vote against same-sex marriage when state Labor supported legislative change.
He voiced his opinions last month on his blog at the Unions Tasmania website.
``The Tasmanian ALP has a firm policy position,'' Mr Hawkins said.
``Why do the senators continue to receive the support of (the ALP) when they fail to comply with the wishes of the majority of party members on this issue?
``The least Senators Bilyk and Polley could do is meet with couples and their families who are affected by marriage discrimination, which they have failed to do.''
Senator Polley said her position reflected the majority of Tasmanians who still were opposed to same-sex marriage.
``My position has been well known, and although I fully support the removal of the 178 pieces of legislation that were discriminatory towards same-sex couples, I will take the advantage that has been presented to all of the Labor caucus to have a conscience vote,'' Senator Polley said.
``The Labor State Conference decision is not binding . . . I respect Kevin's view - he should at least have the decency to respect a differing view on this issue.''
Senator Polley said there were fewer than 200 same-sex couples registered in Tasmania.
Senator Bilyk said the current definition of marriage reflected her view on the issue.
``Labor's national conference determined that members and senators can vote on same-sex marriage according to their conscience, and that is what I will be doing,'' Senator Bilyk said.
``I have had meetings with people and groups with a variety of views on marriage, including constituents who support same-sex marriage.''
