Right-wingers in the New South Wales branch of the Labor Party appear to have got their way.

At the NSW ALP conference this weekend, gay marriage wasn’t voted on, but instead referred to the National Conference this December.

This disappointment comes despite all the other Labor branches across Australia having decided in favour of marriage equality law reform at their state conferences. Victoria’s marriage debate didn’t take place but the state’s ALP has a standing motion in support of gay marriage.

However, key supporters of reform used this weekend’s conference, held at the Town Hall, as an opportunity to re-affirm their support for marriage eqaulity and declare their voting intention at the National Conference, say insiders.

Amongst them was Paul Howes (AWU), who called for a respectful and open debate at the National Conference, where he said he will vote in favour of marriage equality. Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese also officially joined the chorus of support stating “I support marriage equality. I will vote for marriage equality.”

Others speaking in favour of marriage equality and declaring their voting intention for National Conference include NSW State Secretary Sam Dastyari and Federal Minister for Social Inclusion Tanya Plibersek.

SMALL BUT LIVELY PROTEST

Our photos show a small gathering in favour of marriage law reform yesterday to welcome NSW Labor to Sydney Town Hall yesterday.

Protest co-organiser Ben Cooper says has was pleased with the response from the general public to the rally, “but in particular we were pleased with the responses of a number of the ALP members that we spoke too, when chatting with Belinda O’Neal she informed us that she supports marriage equality as did a number of other key members.

“As we approach the National ALP conference in December we as a community need to keep up the pressure,” he added.

The next demonstration for marriage equality will be at 1pm on August 13, again at the Town Hall. This will be followed by a mass rally and march outside the National ALP conference at midday on Saturday the 3 of December, meeting at Hyde Park.

Meanwhile, Australian Marriage Equality National Convener Alex Greenwich hopes NSW voters will continue to express their views to their MPs and Senators on the marriage equality issue.

“We know a clear majority of ALP voters, State conferences, and State Leaders support reform, but this NSW setback proves the battle is far from over,” he adds.

“To deliver the outcome we all believe in, we must email, phone, and meet with our parliamentarians as a matter of urgency.”