SA key to federal marriage change

Polling has identified South Australia as the key state for achieving national marriage equality with strong support seen from both the state’s main political parties.

Marriage equality advocates have also identified four undecided Federal MPs, Kate Ellis, Nick Champion, Amanda Rishworth and Tony Zappia, who will be crucial for marriage reform.

Australian Marriage Equality is hopeful these MPs along with three undecided South Australian senators will support the push for same-sex marriage.

“These South Australian politicians have a place in the history books waiting for them. If they listen to their state and vote accordingly they will be remembered as the MPs who helped achieve this historic reform,” said AME National Convener Alex Greenwich.

“South Australia has some of the strongest public and political support for marriage equality in Australia.

“The State prides itself on being tolerant and accepting, and South Australians voters want their state’s gay and lesbian population to be treated equally by the Marriage Act.”

Marriage equality in South Australia is boosted by support from Premier Jay Weatherill and Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond.

The state will also soon be home to Australia’s first MP to be in a same-sex marriage when the Minister for Social Inclusion, Ian Hunter, marries his partner in Spain later this year.

“We look forward to working with South Australia's State & Federal representatives and helping them to represent their state's strong support for reform in parliament,” Greenwich added.

AME and Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians (PFLAG) will be hosting a forum on Friday March 23 in Adelaide to give South Australian supporters the chance to receive campaign updates. The forum will be held at the Prince Albert Hotel from 6pm.