FARRER MP Sussan Ley has responded cautiously to Albury Council’s support for same-sex marriage, saying she was waiting for legislation to come before Parliament before spelling out her views on the issue.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That time may well have arr-ived, with Liberal-Democrat Senator David Leyonhjelm expected to introduce a same-sex marriage bill today.
Sussan Ley was commenting after the council backed same-sex marriage in a 5-4 vote on Monday night, supporting a motion by Cr Ross Jackson.
The two-part motion also calls for council to write to Ms Ley, urging her to vote for marriage equality.
“I absolutely agree with Ross; treating people fairly, with decency and equality is very important,” Ms Ley said, prior to news of Senator Leyonhjelm’s planned bill last night.
“It is one of the reasons I continue to pursue and encourage policies which remove discriminative laws against the LGBT community.
“Whether this means we also need to legalise same-sex marriage will only be tested if legislation comes back before the Federal Parliament.
“Should that occur, I will of course consider and canvass the overall views of our electorate.”
A spokesman for Ms Ley last night said she would carefully look at any legislation presented.
When asked if same-sex marriage was an issue for Albury Council to be involved in, Ms Ley said: “Obviously it’s a matter for council if it chooses to debate and vote on social policy”.
In March when quizzed about gay marriage on the ABC television show Q&A, Ms Ley said she did not think Farrer was ready for same-sex marriage.
“I think it’s an idea whose time hasn’t quite come in the area of rural Australia and regional Australia that I represent,” Ms Ley said in response to a question from the floor.
“It’s a question that gets raised with me very rarely.”
Local marriage equality advocate Toni Johnson said Monday night’s decision would put increased pressure on Ms Ley by making it clear the community wanted marriage equality to happen.
Ms Johnson is now considering approaching Wodonga councillors to show their support.
Wodonga mayor Rodney Wangman said the council would consider such a motion if it was offered by a councillor or councillors.
“They are more than welcome to do so and we would then give it our due consideration,” he said.
North Albury couple Paul Sharman and Steve Onley have been together almost nine years and said marriage would provide security, as well as show their commitment to one another.
Mr Sharman said Albury Council’s decision made him feel included and respected.
