A push to allow Liberal and National members of the Australian parliament a conscience vote on marriage equality has failed, with approximately two thirds of the Coalition party room against.
Prime Minister Abbott met with members of the governing coalition who determined that party members will be forced to vote according to party lines, even if they wish to support marriage equality legislation. Though Prime Minister Tony Abbott remains a staunch opponent of marriage equality, members of his own party support the proposal and were expected to cross party lines if a conscience vote had been allowed.
“Clearly, opponents of marriage equality in the Coalition know they don’t have the numbers on the floor of the House, or they wouldn’t be so scared of a free vote,” said Australian Marriage Equality National Director Rodney Croome. “You can’t stop love, and if this Parliament fails to achieve marriage equality, we will make sure the next one will.”
On Sunday, Australian Marriage Equality launched a robust and innovative campaign to win the fight for marriage equality, using social media, television ads, and other elements to share a message of love and support for same-sex couples. As legislators returned to Canberra, the capital of Australia, they were welcomed with a clear message at the airport: a terminal lit up in rainbow colors and a huge sign broadcasting “#WeCanDoThis.”
