Janet Rice (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

A referendum is unnecessary. We do not need a referendum to change the Constitution, which clearly states that it is in the power of this parliament to decide on marriage. A plebiscite will tell us what we already know—that the vast majority of Australians want marriage equality. But, if it comes to a plebiscite, we must not prolong the process. Some plebiscites can take years, which will give a microphone to the more homophobic elements of our society and take a really heavy toll on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex Australians and their families. If we are going to have a plebiscite, it must be held as soon as possible, no later than at the coming federal election, and the wording has to be owned by the parliament. It must not have the opportunity to be left to another of the Prime Minister's disastrous captain's picks.

We have the opportunity to end discrimination and to legislate for marriage equality in this parliament. It is up to this parliament. We are in this place to represent Australian people. The easiest and most straightforward way is to allow the cross-party bill which is currently in the House of Representatives to be debated in the House of Representatives and for the members of the Liberal Party to be given a conscience vote, a free vote, so that they can be listening to their constituents and voting according to their conscience. We should be allowing legislation to be debated similarly in the Senate. Every day that the Prime Minister delays this is another day that the discrimination against LGBTIQ people, and their families, in Australia continues.

Last week I raised in question time the story of 62-year-old Gerard, who is despairing that he may never get the opportunity to marry his long-term male partner, the love of his life. But, symptomatic of this government, the Minister representing the Prime Minister completely ignored my question, just like this government is ignoring the Australian people. Today I received a message from Gerard. He thanked me, saying, 'It's typical of the parliament that you didn't get an answer, but you did persevere, and I am so grateful for this.' There are thousands of people just like Gerard around the country, and the Prime Minister is failing them. But, despite the best efforts of the Prime Minister, the Greens will continue to stand— (Time expired)