Catherine King and Jaala Pulford said they will both campaign for their constituents to vote ‘yes.”

The High Court ruled the postal vote gauging the public’s opinion on changing the marriage act to allow same-sex couple to marry was legitimate on 7 September. 

Federal member for Ballarat Catherine King said she was disappointed with the high court’s decision but would continue to speak out in favour of changing the marriage act.  

“I remain disappointed we are having to have a postal survey and not a direct vote in Parliament as it should be,” she said. 

“Parliament has the power to legislate this and that is what it should be doing but given the government has taken us down this pathway, I will be campaigning for a yes vote.”

State member for Western Victoria and Victorian Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford also spoke in favour of a parliamentary vote to change the marriage act. 

“It is extraordinary the federal government is going to such lengths to resolve internal party room matters in this way,” she said. 

“However, it is a great opportunity for our community to demonstrate that the overwhelming majority recognise that love is love and it comes in different forms.”

“Relationships of members of of the LGBTI community ought to have the same legal recognition and validation as the rest of us.”

Ms Pulford said LGBTI issues are close to her heart and tie in with her duties and responsibilities as agriculture minister.

“People of gender diversity or with a range of sexual orientations find themselves in all kinds of occupations and communities because they are members of our community,” she said. 

Ms Pulford said it is unfair to describe LGBTI issues as ‘inner-city’ issues.

“The willingness of our society to treat all people with equal rights, respect and legal representation knows no geographical boundaries.”