Coulton represents electorate on Same Sex Marriage
25-August-2011
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton yesterday spoke in Parliament on the Constituency Statements in relation to equal treatment for Same Sex Couples including Marriage.
Mr Coulton expressed his view in relation to same sex marriage and explained the majority of the constituents in the Parkes Electorate were against same sex marriage at this time.
“I say at the outset that I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. At this point in time that is clearly the majority view of Australian society. As time travels on that may change, but at this particular time that is the position.”
“The overwhelming vibe coming out of my electorate is that the Australian parliament should be concentrating on matters that are far more relevant to the people of my electorate. They are concerned about issues regarding the cost of living, obviously the upcoming carbon tax, education, roads, health and all those other things.”
Mr Coulton explained he was concerned with some of the offensive commentary of people regarding same sex marriage and directed towards gay and lesbian people.
“I have been concerned that during this debate some of the more right-wing aspects of society and some of the comments that are being made about gay people, have been regrettable.”
“I have met with quite a few gay couples in my electorate and, while I appreciate their circumstances and fully support civil equality in matters of law, I cannot support their position for same-sex marriages at this time. I am regretful that I cannot help all my people or agree with all of my people all the time, but at this stage I am not in support of same-sex marriage.”
Mr Coulton also took aim at the Greens Member Adam Bandt and condemned him for hijacking the Parliament to push the Greens political agenda.
“I find it deeply confronting that one member, one 150th of the representation of this place, seems to generate the publicity and promote the agenda. I have spoken about this before. I have spoken about the fact that the member for Melbourne and the Greens urban elite are quite happy for people to go snow-skiing and build chalets in the mountains but are opposed to cattle grazing. While they are happy to have exclusive restaurants, they are opposed to people who raise cattle.”
Mr Coulton concluded his speech with confirming his respect and support for gay couples in his electorate, and reiterated that he believed it was not the right time for changes to the Marriage Act.
“I will restate that I do believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. I do respect the gay couples and the gay people in my electorate and acknowledge that they have a different view. But at this stage I stand by what I have said.”