TASSIE POLITICIANS STATE THEIR VIEWS

A MAJORITY of Tasmanian federal politicians are unlikely to be swayed by the outcome of the Federal Government’s proposed $122 million postal plebiscite on same-sex marriage.

The Mercury asked all 17 federal representatives how they would act in the wake of the plebiscite, slated to be held between September to November 7.

The Plan B postal plebiscite comes after the Government failed in the Senate to reopen debate on the compulsory plebiscite — which had previously been defeated in November last year.

Independent senator Jacqui Lambie, who is not a supporter of same-sex marriage, said she would nevertheless support the majority outcome for Tasmania. “I won’t be campaigning for either side. My job as a representative isn’t to change your views but to hear them,” she said.

Liberal senator Jonathan Duniam (left) said: “The parliament should obey the will of the people and I intend to do the same. I encourage all Australians to participate in the vote and express their view.”

Liberal senator Eric Abetz said he would be “guided” by the electors of Tasmania in any parliamentary vote. “It is impossible to determine whether a parliamentarian should adhere to their electorate, their state or to the national vote and in those circumstances all parliamentarians should be given a degree of leeway to adhere to how they can best represent those who elected them,” he said.

But Greens senator Nick McKim (right) said: “I will be taking no notice whatsoever of the plebiscite result and will be voting for marriage equality, as I always have, because it’s the right thing to do.”

Fellow Green Peter WhishWilson said he would vote for marriage equality in the Senate because parliamentarians needed to end discrimination of any kind. Mitchell Brian Justine Keay (right) also indicated that she was unlikely to be bound by a no vote if it happened. “A voluntary, nonbinding, postal vote is a total cop-out. This is totally unnecessary and a total waste of time and money,” she said.

Franklin Labor MP Julie Collins said:“I will vote in the House in the same way I did last time — in support of marriage equality.”

Denison independent MP Andrew Wilkie said: “I’m hopeful that the High Court challenge will succeed, in which case how I would respond to a postal vote is irrelevant.”

Bass Labor MP Ross Hart said:” I will support marriage equality in every forum, while respecting that there is a diversity of views.”

Labor senator Anne Urquhart said:” Why would we be bound by a voluntary, non-binding, postal vote? ... I will always vote in support of marriage equality.”

Labor senator Carol Brown said: “We should have a free vote [in parliament] right now. I have always supported marriage equality and I always will.”

Labor senator Catryna Bilyk said: “My support for marriage equality is based on the right of same-sex couples to have equal recognition of their relationships.” Labor senator Lisa Singh said she would always support the right for same-sex couples to marry.

Labor senator Helen Polley, Bushby Stephen Parry David