The Informer

4 Jul 2016

What does a hung parliament mean for marriage equality?

News & Politics

A precarious government creates murkiness around the future of marriage equality in Australia. Image: ABC.

As results from last weekend’s Federal election indicate a likely hung parliament the future of marriage equality and a possible plebiscite hangs in the balance.

If elected, Malcolm Turnbull has promised a plebiscite on marriage equality followed by a parliamentary vote. Meanwhile his opposition Bill Shorten, who describes a plebiscite as a taxpayer-funded platform for homophobia and hate, has promised to legislate same-sex marriage within the first 100 days of the next parliament.

To make matters even more precarious the predicted senate results show a likely 39 votes against a plebiscite in a Senate of 76, meaning under a Liberal government the new, hostile Senate could potentially pass down a plebiscite.

Which begs the question: if a plebiscite is blocked, will the Liberals move straight to a parliamentary vote? Or will marriage equality be shelved until the next term?

This week, Stephanie McLean speaks with long time marriage equality advocate, Rodney Croome for some valuable insight into the plebiscite issue.

Shannon Power steps in as co-host this week and is joined on the line by PFLAG National Spokesperson, Shelley Argent to discuss her take on the future of marriage equality in Australia.

Shannon also catches up with Greens incumbent for the Federal seat of Melbourne, Adam Bandt about securing his place on the House of Representatives as well as his reflections on how the Greens have faired in the wake of the 2016 Federal election.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:10 — 34.6MB)

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