Jenny Macklin (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Families and Payments) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am speaking today to express my support for marriage equality. In 2012 I voted for marriage equality, and I will vote for marriage equality at every given opportunity again, because this reform is long overdue. I do believe that marriage equality will eventually be achieved in Australia. But that does not mean that we should shy away from advocating for it. That is why Bill Shorten's marriage equality bill, put before the House today, is so important. We cannot stop agitating for change.

Last week I received an email from a constituent in my electorate, Tiffany Tullberg, who wrote:

As a gay woman, this issue is very close to my heart.

She went on to say:

I may or may not want to marry a partner in the future but that doesn't mean I should be denied the option of marrying the one I love.

To me, Tiffany's email summed up what this debate is all about: love and equality.

I fundamentally believe that this is a matter of equality. Every single Australian deserves to be treated equally no matter who they are or whom they love. It is time for marriage equality in Australia, so let us all come together as a parliament, and as a nation, and get this done. Together, I know that we can.