Regional senators are being urged to support a free vote on same-sex marriage, with an increasing number of constituents in McEwen and Bendigo writing to their federal MPs expressing support for changes to the Marriage Act.
Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters said a recent public declaration of support from central Victorian businesses was another example of how people feel about the issue.
‘‘Even if Senator [Bridget] McKenzie and Senator [Michael] Richardson are at odds with the views of Bendigo, it would be disappointing if they denied their fellow Liberal and National MPs a free vote,’’ Ms Chesters said.
Federal Opposition leader Bill Shorten recently introduced a same-sex marriage bill, referencing Gough Whitlam’s famous line, “It’s time.”
The bill is expected to be voted on in spring but is unlikely to succeed unless Coalition MPs are allowed a free vote.
Ms Chesters said same-sex marriage was a matter of social justice and equity. She believes the numbers are there to support the changes.
‘‘Combined with the support of minor parties, it would only take a few Liberal or National MPs and senators to vote in favour,’’ she said.
‘‘We know the vast majority of Australians support it and, as elected representatives, it is our duty to reflect the wishes of our constituents.’’
Bendigo-based Senator McKenzie said she would never oppose MPs and senators being given the right to a conscience vote on the matter.
She said she strongly supported the recognition of same-sex relationships through civil unions but believed marriage was a sacred commitment between a man and woman. McEwen MP Rob Mitchell said he supported same-sex marriage and would vote accordingly. He abstained from voting in 2012.
“I wanted to make sure that religious institutions that don’t wish to marry same-sex couples don’t have to, and I didn’t want to see same-sex couples taking them to court for discrimination,” he said.
“But both of these concerns have been addressed in Bill Shorten’s bill.”
Mr Mitchell said his office had received about 40 letters or emails from McEwen constituents and most were in favour of same-sex marriage.
