FED:PM calls for respect in marriage debate

AAP General News (Australia)
12-03-2011
FED:PM calls for respect in marriage debate

SYDNEY, Dec 3 AAP - Prime Minister Julia Gillard has appealed to delegates at Labor's
national conference to debate the issue of same-sex marriage with respect.

Ms Gillard opened up the issue on Saturday to the floor of the conference, which is
being attended by 400 delegates.

"We are now going to have a debate on an issue that is controversial," she said told
the gathering in Sydney.

"You know what my views on this debate are.

"We will have this debate in a climate and atmosphere of respect."

Ms Gillard moved a motion that would allow Labor MPs to have a conscience vote on gay
marriage if a bill comes to parliament.

The motion says the conference "resolves that the matter of same-sex marriage can be
freely debated at any state or federal forum of the Australian Labor Party, but any decision
reached is not binding on any member of the party."

Ms Gillard said the debate addressed the aspirations people had about the way they want to live.

She recognised that the religious views of some would be challenged.

"This debate is one that speaks to people in a deeply personal way," she said.

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KEYWORD: LABOR GAY

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