Delegates at Labor’s national conference in Sydney have voted to give MPs a conscience vote on the issue of gay marriage, while at the same time the conference also voted on changing its policy platform on the legal definition of marriage to extend to same-sex couples. It comes as no surprise that the move has been fiercely opposed by some within the party, including powerbroker Joe de Bruyn who had this to say "Are we really going to say that something we regarded as fundamental all this time, we should now turn on its head?"
The amendment to ensure MPs were allowed a conscience vote on the issue was moved by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and was carried by 208 votes to 184.
"You all know what my views on this debate are and I know many in this hall do not agree with my views on this debate," Gillard told delegates,
"But what is the most important thing is that as we have this debate in this hall we have this debate in a climate and atmosphere of respect."
While Labor veteran John Faulkner argued against Gillard’s motion.
"A conscience vote on human rights is not conscionable," He spoke in support of changing the party platform on same-sex marriage, saying it was time to discard "the limitations and bigotry" of the last century.
"They are not privileges to be extended to one person and denied to another according to the whims of popular opinion or the whims of the government of the day."
"They are inherent in each and every one of us simply because we are human."
What this now means is, it is now likely that a bill will come before Federal Parliament to allow same-sex marriage.
ACT Deputy Chief Minister and Rainbow Labor member Andrew Barr told the conference gay couples deserve respect, equality and dignity.
"Support for this motion today represents another critical step towards the removal of discrimination that is intensely felt by Australians who’ve been living in long term, loving same-sex relationships and for those who aspire to those relationships."
There is no denying the time for change is now. This one great step in bringing equality to the LGBT community, however this is not a time to grow idle, the fight is far from over and without a doubt there will great opposition. Stand tall and strong, spread the word, it is time that the government recognises the love that we share amongst the LGBT community is equal to the love shared by heterosexual brothers and sisters! History is being made in Australia at the moment and lets keep it moving forward!
