Adam Bandt today spoke in support of the cross-party marriage equality bill that is currently before the House of Representatives. Mr Bandt is one of the 7 cross-party sponsors of the bill moved by Liberal Member for Leichardt Warren Entsch. Mr Bandt used his speech to call on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to allow the Parliament to vote on and pass this bill.
Excerpts of Mr Bandt’s speech include:
“Our laws continue to send the message to people who are same-sex attracted and in same-sex couples that their love is not equal. That they are not equal.”
“Our homophobic marriage laws are part of a system that for years has told young people who are understanding their sexuality and identity that, if you’re not straight, you’re not equal. You’re different. You’re wrong. You’re less.”
“They have been part of a system that has allowed the tragedy of young people who are same-sex attracted or gender diverse to suicide at rates many times greater than their heterosexual peers.”
“As a country we are faced with the perverse situation that the leaders of the 3 largest political parties all support marriage equality, yet this Parliament is being prevented from making marriage equality a reality.”
“The Greens as a whole stand ready to support this bill but the old parties’ political factions stand in the way.”
“Malcolm Turnbull’s pandering to the conservative rump of his party is not good enough.”
“His shotgun wedding with the right wing of the Liberal Party cannot be allowed to stand in the way of equality.”
“Malcolm Turnbull should have the courage of his convictions and allow this bill to proceed. He should stand up to the bigots in his party and let this Parliament do what the country wants and vote for equal love.”
“So I call on Malcolm Turnbull to let us go ahead and vote on and pass this bill.”
“Let us use this place for what it is meant for. Let us take a stand for equality and do something that matters to so many Australians. Let us open up our arms and hearts for love.”
