Tony Abbott a ‘huge problem’ for marriage equality in Australia
A SYDNEY couple lobbying for the right to marry has lashed out at former PM Tony Abbott as a “huge problem” saying the Warringah MP’s electorate overwhelmingly supports it.
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A COUPLE lobbying for the right to marry has lashed out at Warringah MP Tony Abbott as a “huge problem”.
Cremorne couple Nathan Thomas and Maikol Nobrega have become the faces of marriage equality for the lower north shore.
They successfully took the campaign to North Sydney Council, which offered its unanimous support.
They are continuing their campaign at a federal level.
“Tony Abbott is a huge problem,” Mr Thomas said.
“I believe he fundamentally opposes it and that’s his view but his electorate is hugely in favour of marriage equality.
“He needs to reflect the views of his electorate. I think he’s just so out of touch on some of these fundamental issues. We could do better with another member.”
Mr Abbott has said he supports the traditional view of marriage and says marriage equality is a matter for the people rather than politicians to decide.
In contrast, the couple want to see a vote in Parliament on the issue and do not want it taken to a plebiscite.
“The federal level is just a joke,” Mr Thomas said.
“Politicians are there to represent everybody and the idea that they can get the majority of Australians to vote on the right of a minority group is ridiculous.”
Love train for marriage equality
The couple also spoke on how they have been the target of abuse while out and about. It has never happened in the lower north shore.
“It happened to us in Newtown about a month ago. We were in Brisbane and it happened to us twice in four days,” Mr Thomas said.
“For us, as long as it’s not a physical safety issue, I don’t really care what people think. I don’t look for people’s acceptance.”
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