Jan 30: The Abbott Filibuster
A farcical plebiscite on Marriage Equality is current Coalition policy, thanks to the devious manipulation by then Prime Minister Abbott. I sent the following to the PM:
Subject: The Plebiscite
Dear Prime Minister,
The filibustering policy on Marriage Equality which you inherited from Mr Abbott is a charade:
1. Numerous Senators and MPs have indicated that they will not abide by a plebiscite result if it goes in favour of a change. This dishonourable behaviour negates the need for you to honour any commitment you made to them.
2. The potential effect of a plebiscite campaign on marginalised young people is a great concern.
3. Save the money, a plebiscite is just not worth it.
4. Polarising the nation on this issue is not worth it either.
5. Whether a plebiscite is held or not, MPs and Senators will still be required to vote on the issue. Why not save a step?
6. The Howard Government did not hold a plebiscite in 2004 before amending the Marriage Act.
7. Your own Senate Committee recommends a direct Parliamentary vote.
8. Let's not make Equality a divisive election issue.
Please allow a vote on the multi-party bill which is currently before the Parliament.
Yours faithfully
ROGER POWELL
When, oh when, will MPs and Senators accept the responsibility they have to eliminate inequality and discrimination?
EDIT 2nd FEB:
Five more good reasons I could have listed in the message (inspired by an article in The Conversation by David van Mill):
9. It applies a standard to homosexual couples that does not apply to heterosexual couples.
10. Should we hold a popular vote on whether gays be permitted to hold public office, pay tax, be employed or be allowed to have a funeral?
11. Would it be appropriate for a vote to take place on whether heterosexual couples or black people or bikies or eskimos can get married?
12. Allowing equal rights to any group of people should be standard policy to a true liberal party.
13. All we need is for MPs to recognise that a wrong can be righted by changing the law.
