Rainbow Labor welcomes poll findings in support of marriage equality

Australian Rainbow Labor, the national body representing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex and allied Labor Party members, welcomes today’s polling results on marriage equality.

The results show that 74% of ALP voters support allowing same sex couples to be married.

Rainbow Labor Spokesperson, Jessica Epps, welcomed the fact that 3 out 4 ALP voters call for change on this issue.

“Today’s poll shows why the ALP must change our existing policy to unified support on same sex marriage.  It confirms what we learnt from the Federal Election.  Marriage equality is a mainstream issue and it is supported by an overwhelming majority of Labor supporters,” said Jessica.

“We congratulate the community, Australian Marriage Equality and PLAG for generating such strong discussion in Australia about this important issue.”

The polling also shows that 74% of Australians (80% of ALP voters) support a conscience vote. 

“We are concerned that a conscience vote may hinder progress on this important issue,” Jessica said.

“With 74% of Labor voters supporting marriage equality it is more important than ever that the Party unites to support this proposition, rather than settling for a second best choice of a conscience vote. “

The ALP Constitution requires the Parliamentary Party to take a position consistent with the National Party Platform.  This is the kind of discipline that enabled the 2008 same sex law reforms to happen.