THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
TERRI BUTLER MP
SHADOW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
SHADOW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR CHILD
SAFETY AND PREVENTION OF FAMILY VIOLENCE
MEMBER FOR GRIFFITH
DROP THE DAMAGING PLEBISCITE, GET ON AND LEGISLATE FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
Senator George Brandis' admission on Sky News this morning that the Turnbull Liberals will waste $160m on a marriage equality plebiscite before the end of the year has exposed the lengths Malcolm Turnbull is going to placate the far right wing of his party.
The majority of Australians support same-sex marriage and want it legislated without delay.
But thanks to Mr Turnbull's inability to stand up to his tormentor Tony Abbott and the rabid right-wing of his party, the Liberals are proceeding with a $160 million plebiscite to waste taxpayer money and provide a platform for destructive, bigoted views to be heard.
Senator Brandis has today said that a plebiscite will take place by the end of the year and he expects Parliament to approve legislation by then, too.
Then, Senator Brandis, why the need for a plebiscite at all? Cant government MPs just do their job as parliamentarians and vote?
The no campaign has already shown signs of how damaging this public debate will be, with the Australian Christian Lobby requesting to suspend hate speech laws so that they can make their argument.
Senator Brandis has also refused to rule out public funding for such a campaign.
Just last week, the Liberals shut down debate in Parliament on a cross-party bill that could have seen same-sex marriage put to a vote then and there. That bill remains in Parliament.
The legalisation of same-sex marriage can happen now. This is what the majority of Australian people want.
There is no need to wait, there is no need to waste $160 million of taxpayers money and there is no need to oversee a destructive and divisive hate campaign.
Prime Minister, show some leadership. Let the Parliament do its job.
SUNDAY, 6 MARCH 2016
