An annual lifestyle survey indicates there is a significant spike in support for same-sex marriage.
The University of Melbourne surveys the same 17,000 people each year for the annual Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia report (HILDA).
The survey revealed that 67 per cent of women and 59 per cent of men believe that homosexual couples should have the same marriage, parenting and employment rights as heterosexual couples.
In 2005, only 43 per cent of woman and 32 per cent of men agreed to the statement.
“It’s quite clear that community sentiment has shifted in favour of marriage equality,” report author Professor Roger Wilkins said.
The HILDA report was commissioned by the Federal Government and its release comes amid a push within the Coalition for a parliamentary vote on same-sex marriage, rather than a plebiscite.
Liberal senator Dean Smith is drafting a private members’ bill to legalise same-sex marriage and MPs are expecting a party room debate on the issue when Parliament returns next week.
Meanwhile, same-sex relationships can now be legally recognised in South Australia by signing onto a special register.
Couples on the register will be provided legal certainty in areas such as entitlements and medical care.
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