Media Release
Wednesday June 28th 2017
MERKEL'S SHIFT TO MARRIAGE FREE VOTE INCREASES PRESSURE ON TURNBULL
Equality advocates have praised German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, for allowing her centre right party a free vote on marriage equality and have called on Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, to do the same.
Chancellor Merkel announced the free vote at the same time as she said her own personal views have changed after meeting a female couple fostering children. Germany goes to an election in September and many commentators say Merkel's former opposition to marriage equality would have been a hinderance to her party forming government again.
Just.equal spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
"Angela Merkel has done the right thing by same-sex couples, Germany and her party by allowing a free vote on marriage equality."
"We call on Malcolm Turnbull to follow Angela Merkel's example and allow a free vote on marriage equality as soon as possible."
If Germany achieves marriage equality after its September election, which seems very likely, Italy, Austria and Switzerland will be the only countries in Western Europe without it.
"With every country that achieves marriage equality, Australia is increasingly isolated", Mr Croome said.
For a news report on Angela Merkel's change of heart: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/27/angela-merkel-signals-u-turn-on-gay-marriage-in-germany
To see the most recent polling about marriage equality,
click here
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
