THE legalisation of gay marriage is an inevitability and should be supported by Labor, according to a meeting of the party's national Left yesterday.
Co-convener Doug Cameron said this was the feeling of the meeting, which also believed the party had not properly engaged with key groups, including gays, unions and those concerned about climate change.
''There was a concern that Labor should have progressive policies and that we must reach out to all sections of the party and the community,'' Senator Cameron said.
In an indirect reference to gay marriage, which is opposed by the government, the meeting resolved to promote ''law reform which allows Labor to reconnect with progressive Australians''.
The gay marriage issue has an urgency - the Greens propose a private member's bill on which the government has flagged it will not allow a conscience vote.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/legalised-gay-marriage-is-inevitable-says-labors-left-20101024-16z6y.html************************************
Interesting developments in Australia. Prime Minister Julia Gillard has so far refused to allow a conscience vote on the gay marriage bill, meaning that any MP who votes in favour of the bill will be automatically expelled from the party.
However, there is rising pressure within the ranks of the party to allow a conscience vote. There is currently one openly gay minister in cabinet. The leader of government business in the House is also in favour. Crucially, one of the independents on whom Labor currently relies to form government is also in favour of allowing gay marriage and a conscience vote on the issue.
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