NSW:Unions campaign for same-sex marriage

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2011
NSW:Unions campaign for same-sex marriage

SYDNEY, Dec 1 AAP - Unions have banded together to campaign for a change to Labor's
policy on same-sex marriage ahead of the ALP National Conference on Friday.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has proposed a conscience vote on the issue but the unions
say marriage equality is a basic right, not a matter of belief or conscience.

Thirteen unions have formed a group called Unions for Marriage Equality, the NSW and
ACT Australian Services Union Branch Secretary Sally McManus said.

She said the group is campaigning for Labor to change its policy to one of supporting
gay marriage.

"Unions have always been a driving force behind equality and social justice and we
are proud to stand together with friends and families to overcome this inequality," she
said in a statement.

"At the upcoming national conference, Unions for Marriage Equality will be pushing
for a change to the party platform on this issue."

Speaking to reporters in Sydney, Labor frontbencher Brendan O'Connor said he supported
debate on same-sex marriage at the ALP conference but would not be drawn on his personal
views about the issue.

"I think the debate should be had and I'd like to hear the arguments that are put," he said.

"As a member of the parliament, if there is a conscience vote I'd like to see the legislation."

He said he was undecided on whether there should be a binding vote of parliamentary
members on the issue.

"There are credible arguments on both sides and I do have an open mind to some of the
issues that are going to be discussed in the debate," he said.

ASU member Eamon, a son of same-sex parents, said change was long overdue.

"My mums have been together for 20 years. They don't need to prove anything but we
should be able to celebrate and recognise their love, which is all that anyone wanting
to get married wants," he said.

AAP jjs/jsh

KEYWORD: GAY

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