Combet joins majority of Cabinet to support marriage

It is believed a majority of ministers in the Federal Government now support marriage equality after Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Minister Greg Combet made his support public in a recent letter to a constituent.

In his letter the MP for Charlton said the Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s granting of a conscience vote to Labor MPs and Senators on a marriage equality bill later this year would allow for the opportunity to express their personal views and values in the Parliament.

“In line with my own values, as someone who has always fought for equality, social justice and fairness, I support marriage equality,” Combet wrote.

“I have been contacted by many members of the community, both supporting and opposed to marriage equality and I have taken these views into account in determining my own position.”

Australian Marriage Equality convener Alex Greenwich welcomed Combet’s statement saying it confirmed growing support amongst federal politicians.

“Mr Combet’s support for marriage equality is representative of Labor’s grass roots, his electorate and the views of a majority of Australians,” Greenwich said.

Greenwich also hailed it as a “landmark moment” as over half of federal Cabinet members were now on public record with their support for same-sex marriage. 

“It’s critical for the success of reform that our nation's most senior politicians take a lead on this issue, particularly when the Prime Minister continues to inexplicably oppose it.”

“I am hopeful we will see more support for marriage equality within Cabinet because there is still a number of ministers undecided.”

It is believed 10 out of the 22 ministers who make up Cabinet remain undecided or opposed to the reforms.

A recently-released Galaxy poll showed 61% of Australians wanted to see marriage equality achieved in this term of government.