PM to announce conscience vote
A senior federal ALP source has told the Star Observer that Prime Minister Julia Gillard is planning to announce she will allow a conscience vote on same-sex marriage in an effort to short-circuit debate at the ALP National Conference in Sydney in December.
The debate would still occur but the source said Gillard believed that pre-empting the outcome would take the wind out of the sails of any decision made by the conference.
The source said Gillard knew she didn鈥檛 have the votes at conference to prevent marriage equality from being added to the ALP national platform, which would put her at odds with her own party on the issue.
The source was also concerned that having an issue like same-sex marriage decided by conscience vote would set a bad political precedent as conscience votes were usually reserved for life or death issues like abortion or therapeutic cloning, whereas marriage equality was an issue of policy.
The source said he believed any conscience vote would occur following the conference rather than beforehand, and that Gillard would make the announcement next week.
Gillard has previously said she supports having the issue debated at conference.
Australian Marriage Equality spokesman Rodney Croome said Gillard was engaging in damage control in the face of inevitable change.
鈥淛ulia Gillard, and the shrinking rump of anti-equality Labor MPs she represents, know their blanket opposition to marriage equality is defeated, and now it seems they are trying to find a way to save face,鈥� Croome said.
鈥淏ut by conceding to a conscience vote they will signal to marriage equality supporters that our campaign is working and that a binding pro-marriage equality policy is achievable at the party鈥檚 National Conference in December. By making it clear that a conscience vote is what opponents of equality want, Julia Gillard will also focus the immense support for marriage equality within the Labor Party on the single goal of achieving a binding pro-equality policy.
鈥淎ll those Australians who have raised their voices for equality should take great pride that the prime minister and other Labor opponents of marriage equality are feeling the pressure. We must keep applying that pressure to ensure Labor adopts a binding policy that lives up to the values of the party as well as the clearly-articulated aspirations of its members.鈥�
The Star Observer also understands that a number of Liberal MPs recently expressed their displeasure to Opposition leader Tony Abbott over his stance against Coalition MPs having a conscience vote on the issue.
Iain is a serial Australian Christian Lobby pest from his past post. Not worth the effort of writting more.
Eva,
It’s hard to judge from your post whether or not you support marriage equality. If you do then a conscious vote is the last thing we want as it’s guaranteed to fail because at least 30% of ALP parliamentarians will vote with the Opposition.
Dave, how do you manage to always claim everything you don’t like to be Nazi ideology? Do you ever get sick of your own ridiculous rhetoric?
Voting in the greens just so that they can peddle social policies is pretty irresponsible considering their absurd policies in pretty much every other aspect of politics.
I support a conscience vote for all members of parliament. History will poorly judge those that oppose us!
We just have to keep pressuring Labor to give us what we want. It will happen. If we need to vote in a couple more Greens, that can be done as well. December should be fun in Canberra. Just tell me when and where.
Owen you also support reduced sentences for people who murder gay people in your past post, so I am not with you on that, or your poison gas of 鈥� a Gay Dominant world鈥�, let alone we should be governed by friends you know. Sounds like Nazi ideology to me, the master race stuff.
Considering most MP’s didn’t bother contacting their constituents regarding same sex marriage, as was a Greens demand for supporting Gillard, just how informed will their conscience be?
In Australia today, Equal love is already legal. Whos to stop you or arrest you for living with a same sex partner? I personally beleive that marriage is a secure sanctity preferably between a male and a female. I have Gay friends that are sick of the hype of all the marriage talk and feel theres more important issues to life. I really dont want to live in a totally Gay dominant world which is becoming more evident day by day. I also dislike that people will just presume Im Gay just because I havent found the right lady yet. Thats discrimination for all the singles out there.
Why is this gay marriage issue still being beaten to death? Let it go! The MP’s reported to Parliament that the majority do not want gay marriage. Let’s move on and not keep bowing down to these MINORITY groups pushing their agenda.
On the whole, I think it is safe to say that most Australian Voters have had it with this Government. Absolutely sick and tired and had it. I am so outraged when I see all the lies, back flips and wasted opportunities. I scratch my head (sometimes bury my face in my hands) and wonder what on earth is happening in this Country. It would take too long to list all the items that worry me at the moment, but I know that it is the same for most people.
My BIG question is… Why can’t we the Australian people (who have intelligence and vote) force an election to happen? I am not up on all the details of the Constitution or High Court laws, but can’t we get the Governor General to through these guys out? In a similar fashion to Gough Whitlam?
I am not a member of any political Party. I am just sick of watching this fiasco day after day…
I think Gillard made a tactical and strategic error. Upon becoming Prime Minister she was immediately pushed to give forth her views on same-sex marriage, she obviously stated she was opposed. At the time I think she believed this was a politically acceptable position – she did not want to fight Tony Abbot or upset the right faction of her party on this issue. But in just a short period of time things have moved at blistering speed; community support for same-sex marriage has solidified and with it most of the Labor Party is sliding towards full endorsement of same-sex marriage. Julia, who feels she has an image problem for not seeming true to her beliefs, is in a precarious position and is stubbornly (and disingenuously) trying to defend her opposition to gay rights. I personally don’t think she is actually opposed to same-sex marriage, I mean it is ridiculous to think she would be? Politics is a cynical realm indeed.
A little perspective goes along way. In relation to the legalisation of marriage for same sex couples, I have no doubt it will be raised at the ALP National Conference and a motion to put it to parliament. In parliament the ALP will put it as a conscience vote, where undoubtedly 1/3 will vote against it. The LNP are a no from the outset. The bill WILL fail. This would give the ‘junkyard dog’ more amunition, which in turn has far worser implications for same sex attracted couples moving forward. Ain’t perspective a wonderful thing ?!
Shame on Julia gay rights and marriage is a human rights issue NOT a conscience issue!
@Greg – People like Rodney Croome and AME (Alex Greenwich and crew) have dedicated huge amounts of time over the years to push for equality in all areas of the law for gay people. Rodney has been lobbying for a good 20+ years. We have so much to thank them for.
I know both of these guys personally and they are selfless workers for equality. If you knew them like I do, you would know that they are fighting the good fight on behalf of everyone because of their passion of equality.
Your comments are offensive. I have been involved in the fight for equality over the last few years and I know all the people working behind the scenes and you know what – I’ve never heard of your name before so how can you criticise people when you’re not doing anything yourself.
Labor are in a mess because of their own doing. Don’t go blaming Rodney and Alex for their woes.
To Rodney, Alex, Shelley Argent and everyone else selflessly fighting for equality, I am greatful for all that you do.
Green is the only way to go for our rights ! I wish Bob Brown did not seem like such a droob at times, it cannot be good for public perception. I personally think this ‘droobiness’ is a sign of him being a gentleman. But most Aussies will not get that.
If that clown Tony Abbott is elected PM this country is doomed !! Unreservedly doomed to Hell ! I will be on the first flight out to another progressive country that welcomes values that are actually in touch with humanity, reason and the rest of the world.
The Pacific Solution, the Malaysia Solution, the Final Solution. Discrimination on the basis of your birth, sound familiar? Labor and the National/Liberal Party sound more like Nazi light every day.
So @Greg when you and the ALP start taking responsibility for the shambles of what you call a party, come back and talk to us. Until then just stay the hell out!
Greg – I don’t see you getting off your arse and doing anything about Marriage Equality? Not doing anything will not help change the laws as they now stand! I think Rodney and AME are doing a great job and I have no doubt you’ll only hear more from the team as Dec 3rd gets closer.
… Just a typo, Gillard could not reply to the dying man about equality.
The question is not what Tony Abbott is afraid of, it is why does Gillard get emotional over taxes and not people. This is just a cheap political stunt to deflect blame.
Remember Gillard could reply to a dying man asking her to marry his love. Even after staff at the SSO contacted her office, she could not be bothered being decent.
Whenever questions of equality before the law are raised, Labor and the Liberal Party is hoping this stunt will be used to say for the 10 years, 鈥渢he parliament clearly said no, both sides of politics, next question鈥�. Or 鈥渨e do not want to waste time, we have been down this road before and clearly the public said no.鈥�
So the blame for lack of leadership, for doing the dirty, belongs to both Gillard and Abbott.
The fact is in your entire life, Gillard and Abbott are hoping you will never ever get married, not in Australia, and not overseas. Both are on the public record for this.
Ah, don’t need to answer the question, people. It appears he’s a former Labor candidate.
Greg Adkins sounds like a Labor stooge. Is he?
Decriminalisation of homosexuality, equal age of consent and same-sex adoption all became law after a conscience vote of both parties – what is Tony Abbott afraid of?
Before we blame AME and Roodney for the actions of Gillard, should we dare to ask Labor to take responsibility? It is a cheap shot to blame those who advocate and support equality, over those who do not. Last I checked it was Gillard who said to go look up lessons in the Bible.
But right, let鈥檚 just blame those seeking equality. Those who give of themselves, and make an enormous contribution, not for the Lodge, or massive financial gain, not for backroom deals with a Catholic Church official, but for the freedom and dignity of all Australians. Making any sense at all?
Let us not forget we do not have equality as Labor wants power at all cost, even going against its own principles of social justice. When Labor had power under Rudd, it did not pass Marriage Equality. No it ran as fast as it could when it had a majority.
Choosing between Labor and Liberal is like asking if you want to know when and how you will die. Abbott will tell you straight, while Gillard will smile and suddenly the undertaker will be at your door.
The problem is both parties have policies that are cruel and make your birth a punishment. Both believe in a master race, the idea those born heterosexual are superior, and both have the backing of the Catholic Church hierarchy, like Hitler had all those sweet Bishops lined up to give hate rants and Hitler salutes.
And could it be, just for a moment, that Abbott teaming up with Rupert Murdoch, has had an impact on his success, let alone Gillard鈥檚 poor performance?
Do you really think that’s true? I think AME and Rodney have done a wonderful job of illustrating the inequity in our community in many ways, not just hammering the doors of politicians but shining a light on the likes of those haters the ACL. And not just in our community – more and more of my straight friends and family are getting it and signed on for the ride thanks to the AME.
I think the real issue is a struggle for power and politicians who have lost sight of what they stand for. Did you read the ALP platform? I’m still shaking my head trying to figure out how you deliver equality to all couples, but maintain the Act as it stands in line with current policy.
And don’t forget the ALP has a large number of right leaning conservative catholics from conservative electorates.
I really believe we’re living in a time where Australian politics has lost it’s way. And that Julia reflects how vicious and ruthless voters are in terms of their expectations.
No shining beacons, no better Australia for all of us, just the lowest common denominator small minded politics driven by polls and hanging onto government by a thread.
I don’t think Rodney and the AME are to blame for this.
And realistically, when Abbott gets in, he might just change it back. Look what’s happened with our Coalition Government locally – they’ve just re-legislated the right of religious organisations to discriminate.
I’m also pretty sure the carbon tax and our resistance to all change is more likely to put Abbott on the other side of the House than a bunch of gays being allowed to marry.
Just ask yourself how many Labor politicians do you personally know? Yet some of these people, are arrogantly trying to decide the most intimate part of your life, who you marry. Labor is the Catholic Party, the party made up of mostly conservative Catholics. In some other countries, you have it like it used to be in Australia, up to you, your partner, and your community. No government at all would dare to have an 鈥渁uthorised agent鈥� at your wedding giving a government speach.
Soon I will be off overseas to marry with my partner of 11 years. I know it will not be legally valid in Australia. But I am making the choice to rebel and have an old fashioned wedding, not to let two politicians I will never meet decide the most intimate part of my life. I can marry here and now, but my love and I want to travel and see family first. I am told I have to do a traditional Tea Ceremony for the Chinese in laws. Then I have to call them mum and dad. We are to have a Chinese wedding banquet with family and friends. Their main concern about me was that they could live with us when they are older, following the extended family tradition of the Chinese family. I have known couples in Australia who live with their mother and father, and I was very touched they should be so kind to think of me as a real life long partner for their son. If introducing my partner to people, from then on I will say 鈥渢his is my husband鈥�.
Long before the last convict in Australia died, there was no government announcement at every marriage. It was up to the couple and their community. So you could say I am having an old fashion wedding. There was often no clergy at a wedding, as there was simply not enough of them spread across this vast ancient continent. And did we ever think they went to China Town and married the local Chinese in those grand old days? No each couple and community decided what the ceremony was, and that was it.
There was of course not even a Federal Government who鈥檚 first act of parliament was to introduce the White Australia Policy. And if a government agent was required at a wedding to say 鈥淭he Australian Government defines marriage to be union between a man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others鈥�, then guns might well be drawn, and revolution might well of happened. No doubt some of our present day politicians would be swinging from a homemade noose.
To put things in perspective, we are facing years of a conservative far right Catholic Government. All the signs are it will be one of the most conservative in history. You have a situation where the vast majority of media is owned by one man, the Papal Knight Rupert Murdoch, and he is not fond of a political party who advocates for equality.
You can get upset about all this and yes it is nasty, or you can get married and continue to lobby as a married couple for no discrimination of your relationship. Just because the Australian Government defines Marriage does not mean you have to agree with that definition. You have a choice now.
Surely we are not going let Abbott and Gillard decide if you can marry or not?
So take the plunge, get hitched if you want to, no person is stopping you. At worst you will be counted on the census as married overseas, either way I wish you all the best with our decision.
A conscience vote is not acceptable. Most of our politicians on all sides have already demonstrated that the one thing they have in common is a conscience.
Labor is a complete mess!
Gillard knowing Abbott is not allowing a conscience vote, will be the politician to knife to the GLBTI community voting against equality, as they rely on the slimmest of margins.
Remember the polls show Abbott and Gillard do not represent the views of most Australians on this. Even Malcolm Turnbull says his electorate supports equality but he does not.
Gillard still does not support giving us the protection in the Federal Equal Opportunity Act, let alone giving equal laws in Marriage or national adoption laws or equal access to many public funded jobs run by religious businesses.
All this but no conscience vote for the Carbon Tax? So a tax is more important that people. A tax makes her kiss Kevin Rudd and get emotional, not the lives of Australian Citizens.
What a nasty viscous stunt from a one of the worst Labor leaders in the history of the party.
I will continue voting Green, a party that does not need a vote to support equality.
My partner & I are both finally on “average” incomes, but with the 2008 Rudd/Gillard defacto recognition, as a couple this puts us OVER the threshold for Carbon Tax compensation!! We got nothing! In fact without the compensation, we get to pay extra!
Yet we as a couple are not allowed to get a civil marriage in a government registry office like any other tax payer!!!!!!!!! (not to mention heaps of churches that want to marry us that are banned from doing so). We want to get married NOW !! What were those placards on the news? …”Ditch the B_tch”?? :)
Perhaps on of the real blocks to marriage equality has been AME and more particularly Croome himself. A little less self indulgent media commentary and this issue might already have been put to bed.
A gentle reminder to little Rodney that continual knocking of Gillard only works to deliver government to Abbott and all your “hard work” in this direction with put marriage back in the top-hard basket for 8 to 12 years should Abbott win government.