On Tuesday 11 October 2016, the Labor Caucus unanimously decided to vote against the Turnbull Government’s expensive, divisive, unnecessary and harmful plebiscite on marriage equality.

I’ve spent the last few weeks meeting LGBTI families around Australia, talking to groups who support the plebiscite and groups who oppose it. I’ve heard from mental health experts who have told me the plebiscite will cause tremendous harm to LGBTI Australians and their families.

Having met these families, having listened to their stories – Labor cannot in good conscience support legislation that will target them and hurt them.

Labor wants to achieve marriage equality in the fastest, cheapest and least harmful way possible.

Marriage equality could be a reality today with a free vote in Parliament – the only thing
stopping us is Malcolm Turnbull.

If we work together, we can put enough pressure on Malcolm Turnbull to stand up to the right wing of his party and allow a free vote on marriage equality.

Please lend us your support and help us put the pressure on Malcolm Turnbull to allow a free vote? You can help by visiting www.itstimeformarriageequality.org.au

It’s time for marriage equality and it’s time for a free vote in Parliament to make that happen. Let’s just get on with it!

Hon Bill Shorten MP