AUSTRALIA, the time has come to make a decision.
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News on Thursday that federal Liberal MPs will meet in Canberra to discuss same-sex marriage is a positive step forward. The debate has been on the political radar for a number of years, however a shift in community and political beliefs is likely to see it come to a head sooner rather than later.
In Tasmania, we have watched our own state parliament debate the issue a myriad of times, while overseas Germany legalised gay marriage after chancellor Angela Merkle allowed a free vote – bringing it in line with France, Britain and Spain.
Labor leader Bill Shorten is on the record as saying that his party will back a move by any federal politician to delay business in parliament if it leads to a vote on gay marriage. While Labor and the Greens have supported same-sex marriage for a number of years, the Liberal party under the leadership of Tony Abbott, said it would not support gay marriage.
Regardless of political leanings, we all know someone in society involved in a same-sex relationship – their love is no different to those in heterosexual relationships. But a decision is needed on whether there is a right for gay couples to marry.
A recent ReachTel poll, commissioned by the politically motivated group GetUp in the electorate of Swan in Western Australia, shows that 52.8 per cent of the region’s population support marriage equality with 49.9 per cent calling for a free vote in parliament as soon as possible.
It is expected that the MPs will discuss the option of a voluntary postal vote on the issue as opposed to a compulsory plebiscite, which was rejected by the Senate. However experts have said that the government could face a high court challenge if it was to implement a postal vote.
Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has warned it is a precarious matter if his colleagues cross the floor on the issue, which has been pushed by Labor and the Greens.
Labor Senator Helen Polley said while she has had concerns about a plebiscite, any same-sex marriage bill would need to work through procedural issues. Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has articulated that she would vote only if a plebiscite showed that is what Australians want.
The question remains: should we all have a say on same-sex marriage through a plebiscite, or do we put our faith in the parliament to make a decision on the floor.
