Those marriage equality advocates who have campaigned against a plebiscite and for a free vote in parliament have said they are relieved a plebiscite has been voted down and have renewed their call for the Government to allow a free vote on cross-party legislation.

 

PFLAG national spokesperson, Shelley Argent, said,

 

"Rights across Australia parents of LGBTI children will breathe a sigh of relief that this damaging, unnecessary plebiscite is no longer an issue to fear."

 

"Our job now will be to put a bit of backbone into Liberals who support marriage equality so they either persuade their party to have a free vote or cross the floor to vote reform through."
 

Rainbow Families Victoria spokesperson, Felicity Marlowe said,

 

"I'm so proud of all our Rainbow Families who have consistently stood up and say for our kids' sake, please no plebiscite under any circumstances."

 

"We know a plebiscite would have had a huge impact on our children's mental health and wellbeing and I'm so grateful a majority of Senators listened to us."

 

Just.equal spokesperson, Ivan Hinton-Teoh said,

 

"The defeat of the plebiscite is a great example of people power at work and I believe the same people power will prevail in winning marriage equality."

 

"We reject the Government's rhetoric that it's a plebiscite or nothing and believe there is a path way through Parliament."

 

"We will be working for a cross-party bill to be introduced in the Senate where there is clearly strong support for marriage equality."

 

Long-time marriage equality advocates, Rodney Croome, said,

 

"I take my hat off to all those many Australians who have taken action against a divisive and damaging plebiscite."

 

"The fact the Senate voted down a plebiscite has potentially saved the lives of young LGBTI people who are vulnerable to the kind of hate that would have strode the national stage during a plebiscite campaign."

 

"I now look forward to working with marriage equality supporters across the Parliament and across the community to finally pass this urgent reform."