Australians have an appetite for change. In March, Labor MP Stephen Jones is expected to introduce to parliament a private member's bill to legalise same-sex marriage. Labor MPs will be granted a conscience vote on this issue. Coalition MPs, however, will not.

Ignoring the widespread desire for marriage equality in Australia, Tony Abbott has stated that Coalition MPs will be expected to toe the party line and vote against the private member's bill. This is in direct contradiction to his usual policy, which is to allow a conscience vote on all issues. A Galaxy poll from November last year showed that seventy-six percent of Mr. Abbott's own voters support a conscience vote on same-sex marriage.

A conscience vote would by no means guarantee that the same-sex marriage bill would pass. It is uncertain whether there is enough support within Mr. Abbott's ranks for that to occur. But unless a conscience vote is allowed, the bill will fail.

Gay and lesbian couples in Australia deserve marriage equality. They need a fighting chance. Demand that Tony Abbott allow a conscience vote on same-sex marriage.

We the undersigned support a Coalition conscience vote on same-sex marriage.

When Labor MP Stephen Jones introduces a private member's bill to legalise same-sex marriage, we urge you to allow Coalition MPs to vote as they see fit. By refusing to do so, you are denying your MPs the opportunity to consult with the people in their electorates and make their decision based on the desire and the needs of the people they serve.

The decision to disallow a conscience vote is not supported by your voters. Last November a Galaxy poll showed that seventy-six percent of coalition voters are in support of a conscience vote on this issue. Furthermore, allowing a conscience vote would be more in line with your usual policy.

Please allow a conscience vote on same-sex marriage.