By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Large religious communities in the federal seat of Holt seem to have resisted the overwhelming wave of support for same sex marriage.
Holt Labor MP Anthony Byrne said the 51 per cent Yes vote – well below the state average of 65 per cent – was roughly as he expected.
His electorate covers Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Hallam, Hampton Park and Cranbourne as well as parts of Narre Warren and Narre Warren South.
“We have large religious communities in my electorate who do not support SSM particularly evangelical Christians, orthodox Christians and the members of the Muslim community.”
Mr Byrne said he was “most likely” to abstain from voting on the bill to legalise same sex marriage.
“It is imperative that religious freedoms be protected in any upcoming legislation.
“I also believe that the nation wants this matter dealt with and legislation passed before the end of the year.
“I will not be doing anything to prevent the passage of this legislation.”
La Trobe Liberal MP Jason Wood said his open backing of same sex marriage was vindicated by the 67 per cent ‘Yes’ vote in his seat.
“One of the interesting things is we had Labor and the Greens say the sky will fall in if we have a postal vote.
“And the next thing is they’re celebrating the result.”
Mr Wood was surprised how high the vote was in his electorate – which covers Berwick, Dandenong Ranges towns and parts of Narre Warren – as well as nationally (62 per cent).
He said he had switched from opposing change after hearing of the high suicide rates among young gay males.
“What love is a better love?”
Opposing MPs were unlikely to obstruct a vote, he said.
“There’s a great acceptance there’s a majority Yes vote and the bulk of us will vote in line with (the public’s) views.”
