Deputy Labor Leader Tanya Plibersek’s push for a consensus party decision on same-sex marriage has been lauded by some, and criticised by other members of the party.
The 2011 Australian Labor Party National Party Conference proposed a motion which makes same-sex marriage legal, ensuring “equal access to marriage under statute for all adult couples, irrespective of sex, who have a mutual commitment to a shared life.”
However, another motion of the conference explains that “any decision reached is not binding on any member of the party.”
It’s this second element of Party policy which Plibersek seeks to change.
“Conscience votes in the Labor Party are reserved for issues of life or death … I don’t think this is an issue in that category,” Ms Plibersek told the ABC’s Q&A program.
“I think this is an issue of legal discrimination against one group in our community,” she added.
NSW State Labor MP, Greg Donelly felt strongly that Ms Plibersek’s intentions undermined the integrity of freedom of conscience in Parliament,
“She’ll put individuals in an invidious situation where they’ll be forced to compromise their conscience or to cross the floor, and face the prospect of being expelled.”
“Considered views may be, but aren’t necessarily based on religious grounds. A person can have a very deeply and considered view about a matter which is not based on a religious dogma or a criteria.” he added.
“The idea of requiring members of parliament to act against their conscience is a very grievous act to force upon them.”
The party response to Ms Plibersek’s statements is still uncertain.
Image via abc.net.au
