Senator’s plea to still heed ‘no’ voters

THE millions of Australians who voted no in the same-sex marriage survey deserve to have their voices heard, the Senate has been told.

Liberal senator Zed Seselja is spearheading a conservative push to amend the cross-party Bill the Upper House is considering this week.

“We should not completely reject the views of the millions of Australians, nearly 40 per cent, that said ‘ no’,” Senator Seselja said in Parliament yesterday.

The ACT senator, who voted no in the nationwide postal survey, indicated he would follow the will of Canberra voters who voted overwhelmingly in favour of samesex marriage.

But he highlighted examples, from both abroad and at home, of conservative concerns about the impact of a change in the Marriage Act.

He said the amendments were warranted by threats to supporters of traditional marriage, pressure on schools and universities and the right of parents to oversee their children’s education.

“I firmly believe this cannot be a blank cheque because changing this legislation will have flow-on effects,” Senator Seselja said.

Conservative Liberal senator Eric Abetz said the Parliament could serve both yes and no voters by passing the Smith Bill with amendments.

“The gender agenda is already being stretched and the Bill goes further than that for which the Australian people gave their approval,” he said. “We can avoid this travesty in Australia by acknowledging the reality of these disturbing examples from overseas and provide the protections needed.”

Greens leader Richard Di Natale had concerns that proposed amendments would unwind anti-discrimination protections.

“There’s no reason we cannot achieve justice,” he told parliament. “We simply can’t half-do human rights.”