NSW:NSW Labor leader in favour of gay marriage

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-2011
NSW:NSW Labor leader in favour of gay marriage

SYDNEY, Dec 2 AAP - NSW Labor leader John Robertson thrown his support behind same-sex
marriage, saying it is a personal issue for him because his son is gay.

Mr Robertson will address the ALP national conference on Saturday, when the debate
on same-sex marriage is set to begin.

A push is on to amend the party's platform to back a change to the laws.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard supports a conscience vote by MPs but not a change to
the Marriage Act.

Mr Robertson told the Seven Network on Friday he will address the conference arguing
in favour of equal marriage.

Mr Robertson's 19-year-old son Aidan is gay.

"I've got three kids, I've got a son who is gay and I want all my kids to have the
same opportunities in life," Mr Robertson said.

"So for me, I don't come at this as a politician, I come at it as a parent.

"I certainly hope my story coming out as a parent will sway people to think about what
it's like as a parent."

AAP ih/jhp

KEYWORD: GAY ROBERTSON

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