Companies praise vote for equality
Townsville AUSTRALIAN businesses have cheered the nation’s majority “yes” decision in support of same- sex marriage and are urging Federal Parliament to legislate quickly.
Qantas, Commonwealth Bank and ANZ were among those who warmly endorsed the 61.6 per cent “yes” vote in favour of marriage equality unveiled yesterday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
A majority “yes” vote was recorded in 133 of the 150 federal electorates across the country.
“We’re delighted for our customers and our people who are celebrating today following the “yes” outcome of the Australian Marriage Law survey,” the Commonwealth Bank said on Twitter.
More than 840 corporations are registered with the Australian Marriage Equality organisation in support of marriage equality, including Airbnb, Apple, American Express, McDonald’s, Mirvac, Ten Network, Virgin Australia and Telstra.
Telstra boss Andy Penn said the outcome was a great step forward for a more diverse and inclusive Australia and said it was now up to Parliament to act on the views of a large proportion of Australians.
“We want Telstra to be a great place to work, a place to belong, a place where people can bring all of themselves to work and feel valued irrespective of their background, race, religion, age, gender or sexual preference,” Mr Penn said in a statement.
“All eyes are now on the Parliament to see how this view will be translated into action.”
Qantas boss Alan Joyce celebrated the decision in Sydney and encouraged Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to get on with legislation.
“We now expect it, we need it to be delivered and we need it to be delivered fast,” Mr Joyce told the Sydney crowd. “Get on and do it Mr Turnbull.” Mr Turnbull said in Canberra that he wanted Federal Parliament to approve laws before Christmas.
Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott called the result a win for those “who have felt like outsiders for so long”.
“This is a victory for common sense and for the decency and fairness of the clear majority of Australians,” Ms Westacott said in a personal statement.
Parliamentary debate to legalise marriage equality could begin as early as today.