Page 439 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 16 February 2016
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I will vote, just as any other member of the community will vote. It is clear that this is now a federal issue, and the result of that plebiscite, whatever it is, will go before the parliament. And there are a range of views. As I said, I respect them. What you see from our side is a range of views, just as there are a broad range of views in the community. I respect—in fact, I welcome and embrace—the diversity of views within the Liberal Party, because our party represents the community.
In the community, Madam Assistant Speaker, there is a broad diversity of views on this issue. Some, like you, are strong advocates for same-sex marriage; others are very strong supporters of traditional marriage. There are those who are less passionate about this issue, who sit somewhere in the middle, and who are not particularly engaged by this one way or another. That is reflective, I think, of our community.
As we progress with this issue, it would be useful to remember the history of what happened in this place, to get the facts right, and to acknowledge that the position of the Canberra Liberals about the legislation that was presented before us was that it was invalid legislation and we could not support it, regardless of our views on same-sex marriage. As a result, we did not support it, and that was unanimously voted on by the High Court.
The federal Labor Party refused to take any action on same-sex marriage for six years. They had a prime minister who said, “I do not support same-sex marriage,” and it did not happen. We now have a federal Liberal leader. Whether you support same-sex marriage or not, you have to acknowledge that he has been a long-term advocate for same-sex marriage. He has progressed the matter by saying it will be put to a plebiscite. All of a sudden, and now in opposition, the Labor Party are saying, “That’s not good enough.” I think those who are supporters of same-sex marriage would look at it and they would cry, “Hypocrisy.” They would say, “Rank hypocrisy.”
I acknowledge that the Greens have been somewhat consistent in their view. I acknowledge that they have at least had a consistent view, unlike the Labor Party, who have been all over the shop. I am a bit disappointed that I had to re-litigate the history. I was not going to let it stand as a point-scoring exercise.
Let me end by saying very clearly that I respect all views on this matter. This is now a federal matter. It will go to a plebiscite. Personally, I very openly support same-sex marriage. I will vote yes in the plebiscite. My members are able to vote, as is the case for everybody in the community, how they will.
Let us go forward and have this debate in a respectful manner, and in a manner which recognises the great diversity of opinion in our community. Regardless of the viewpoint you hold—regardless of the result, indeed, Madam Assistant Speaker—let us embrace that diversity of opinion and let us respect each other’s views.
MR CORBELL (Molonglo—Deputy Chief Minister, Attorney-General, Minister for Capital Metro, Minister for Health, Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for the Environment and Climate Change) (3.53): I thank my colleague Ms Porter for bringing forward this matter of public importance for discussion this
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