Support for gay marriage falters in NSW

For broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 3 Nov 2013.

Debate began on Thursday in the NSW Parliament on a law to create a new institution called “same-sex marriage” in the State.

Fifteen members of the Legislative Council spoke on the bill.  Eight spoke in support of the bill while seven said they would vote against the legislation.  Three MLCs who previously spoke in parliament in support of changing the meaning of marriage said they would vote against the NSW bill, since marriage laws were a matter for the federal Parliament.

Letters defending the current definition of marriage from Cardinal George Pell and Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, were read out by a number of MPs.

In a surprise move, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said he will not support the bill.  Debate on the same sex marriage bill will resume in a fortnight, and all parties appear to have been given a conscience vote on the matter.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.