Labor MPs look into marriage

Five Victorian state Labor MPs have taken it upon themselves to gauge public opinion on marriage equality in response to what they view as a lack of consultation on the issue federally.

Federal MPs were asked to consult with their constituents about their views on marriage equality in a motion moved by the Greens’ Adam Bandt last November. So far, only a handful of politicians have sought opinion.

Albert Park’s Martin Foley, Brunswick’s Jan Garrett, Melbourne’s Bronwyn Pike, Northcote’s Fiona Richardson and Richmond’s Richard Wynne have all put their name to the new state-based online community survey, called Rainbow Labor.

Foley said that in light of Victorian ALP leader Daniel Andrews’ statement that the current arrangement was “unfair”, as well as the federal Parliament resolution, the group of MPs decided to organise something.

“We realised there hadn’t been a formal public consultation in our own communities, or even an informal one,” he said.

“And while some might get up in Parliament and ask people to give them their views, you have to actually be a bit proactive about it.”

This year’s ALP national conference was another reason Foley suggested the initiative. It’s hoped it might facilitate some of the forthcoming internal debate on the issue, which looks set to be hotly contested.

“When people from the Uniting Church and Anglican Church start telling me it’s inevitable and just hurry up and get on with it, which has happened on a number of occasions locally, I’m convinced that change is coming,” Foley said.

Another part of the online survey asks for input into other areas relating to LGBTI people that respondents would like their MPs to focus on. Adoption law reform is one of the options listed — a state-based issue Foley hopes to see changed.

“Labor went to the last state election with a broader LGBTI policy, an element of which was to refer to the Law Reform Commission the state’s responsibility, and changes to discrimination against same-sex families, in relation to adoption.

“Victoria is out of step with the majority of the nation on this issue and for the current Victorian Government and its agencies to target same-sex couples as fantastic foster parents and short-term carers, but deny them the opportunity for formal adoption is an unfair and unsustainable position.”

info: To take part in the marriage equality survey, visit www.rainbowlabor.com