Its not a matter for a conscience vote.

Dear Gai,

It’s time for marriage equality and it's time for the Australian Labor Party to be the party that introduces this important reform.

There is no sound reason not to extend marriage to same sex couples.

Long ago marriage ceased to be the sole domain of religion and since the state is now an essential part of marriage, the state is obliged to ensure that it treats its citizens equally in the application of the Marriage Act.

This is not an issue of conscience; it is an issue of an equal application of the law.

The argument that ‘marriage has always been between a man and a woman’ is insufficient reason for preventing this reform – marriage has evolved constantly over the years, particularly as regards the rights of women. It is ridiculous to suggest that it cannot continue to evolve to reflect the values of modern Australia.

We hope to see you advocating strongly for marriage equality, both within the ALP caucus, and in Parliament. We also hope to see you advocate for this as a policy of the ALP and not a matter for a conscience vote.

We are happy to discuss this with you any time.

Kind regards,

Amy Haddad and Josh Milthorpe