SENATOR LOUISE PRATT

SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES

SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WESTERN AUSTRALIA SAYS YES TO MARRIAGE EQUALITY

The results of the postal survey today show us what we already knew – an overwhelming 63.7 per cent of Western Australians support equality. It is now time for Parliament to deliver on this without delay. Every single electorate in WA voted yes, and all WA Members and Senators should vote yes when a bill is presented to the Parliament in the coming weeks.

Yes campaigners across the country made more than 100,000 door knocks and over a million phone calls, and should be proud of their efforts.

This has been a long and difficult campaign for many LGBTIQ people, their families and friends. Unlike Turnbull, Labor campaigned as hard as possible for a yes result and will continue to stand by the LGBTI community.

Labor respects religious freedom and will work to protect it. Marriage equality does not endanger religious freedom, and we believe the Senate Committee Bill is the best way to ensure it is protected. We will not allow the conservatives to standing in the way of what most Australians want – Marriage Equality. Australia has voted for Marriage Equality, not more discrimination.

Senator Louise Pratt said “I’d like to thank all Australians for participating in this postal survey. I always hoped for a strong yes, and I am so happy to see it reflected in the survey results. I have been proud to be part of the development of the Dean Smith Bill. It is the right Bill to put forward. I have always worked for fairness and equal treatment for all Australians. That principle is at the core of my commitment to politics, and it is and always will be a focus for me. It’s time all relationships were equal before the law”

WEDNESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2017