THE majority of voters across the federal electorate of Isaacs backed same-sex marriage in the marriage equality postal survey in line with the nationwide vote.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics announced last Wednesday (15 November) that 61.6 per cent of eligible voters across the nation voted for the law to be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry and 38.4 per cent opposed the move.
An ABS breakdown of voting showed 65.3 per cent of Isaacs voters voted “yes” and 34.7 per cent voted “no”.
The seat of Isaacs is held by Labor MP Mark Dreyfus.
The electorate includes Mordialloc, Keysborough, Waterways, Noble Park, Chelsea, Aspendale, Aspendale Gardens, Edithvale, Bonbeach, Patterson Lakes and Carrum.
Mr Dreyfus called the result of the survey “a great day for equality”.
“Of course, we already knew that a majority of Australians supported marriage equality and this wasteful and divisive survey never needed to happen, but I am so pleased that equality has won,” he said.
“Of Australia’s 150 federal electorates, 133 voted in favour of marriage equality. I am very pleased to say that the great electorate of Isaacs voted yes by a nearly two to one margin.
“I have voted for marriage equality in the Parliament at every opportunity since my election in 2007. It’s been a long campaign and there is only one more step to take.”
Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says he is confident same-sex marriage can be legalised in Australia by the end of the year.
Some MPs want exemptions put in place to allow businesses and religious groups to be able to refuse to be involved in same-sex marriage wedding ceremonies.
“The Australian people have spoken. Let’s get this done. It’s time for the Parliament to vote for marriage equality,” Mr Dreyfus said.
The ABS confirmed last week the non-binding postal survey cost taxpayers almost $100 million.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 22 November 2017
