Greens slam ALP after UK gay marriage motion fails
A motion to congratulate British PM David Cameron on successfully introducing marriage equality legislation has been roundly defeated in the Senate today, prompting the Australian Greens to lash out at the "hypocrisy" of the Labor Party.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young (pictured) moved "That the Senate congratulates the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Right Honourable Mr David Cameron MP, for his leadership in passing historic marriage equality legislation through the House of Commons".
The motion was defeated 9 to 32, with only the Greens supporting the motion.
Hanson-Young said both Labor and Liberal leaders were "on the wrong side of history and the public knows it".
She said Cameron had shown "great leadership" on the issue.
"When an inevitable reform finds its time, political leaders owe it to their public to stand up and represent the majority," she said.
“This vote exposes the hypocrisy of the Labor Party," Hanson-Young told Gay News Network.
“Despite marriage equality being in their party platform, it’s clear the ALP factions are calling the shots.”
Hanson-Young remained committed to keeping her private member's bill for marriage equality "on the table".
The draft UK marriage equality legislation, supported by Cameron, passed by a large majority of 400 votes to 175 on Tuesday (UK time).
- Tags: Blaze, David Cameron, gay marriage, marriage equality, MCV, Queensland Pride, Same-Sex Marriage, Sarah Hanson-Young, SX
Comments (4)
Good on your Sarah - and thank you. I think it's important that everyone keeps in mind the effort the Greens have put into this cause when September 14 rolls around. A lot of people think voting for the Greens is a "wasted vote" because they'll never be able to form government. However, having as many Greens as possible in the Senate is really important to ensure the good work of people like Sarah is continued.
Thank You Sarah, I won't be forgetting come election time.
People too often focus on the party leaders, rather than the party policies, or how individual pollies vote.
The fact that not a single ALP or Coalition Senator voted to support this is disgusting.
People should remember we have more than 2 political parties we can vote for.
Well said Phill. Even Penny Wong put her rainbow flag down the toilet with a giggle. Labor and Liberal presently have policies that are very cruel to GLBTI Australians.