The NSW opposition says Premier Barry O'Farrell has set an example in his support of gay marriage. Source: AAP
NSW Liberal Party members will feel more comfortable voting for gay marriage now Premier Barry O'Farrell has come out in favour of it, Opposition leader John Robertson says.
Mr Robertson has commended Mr O'Farrell for declaring his support for a change to the Marriage Act for the first time, following the New Zealand parliament's vote to legalise same-sex marriage.
Mr Robertson, who has a gay son, says it is now important for federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott to follow Mr O'Farrell's lead.
"I'm pleased to see him (Mr O'Farrell) showing leadership in this issue - it's something he's taken a long time to declare his hand on," Mr Robertson said.
"I think that will make other people, if we end up having a vote in the state parliament, in the Liberal Party feel a bit more comfortable voting with their conscience."
NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann has also praised Mr O'Farrell, saying he's now "on the right side of history".
A conscience vote in the New Zealand parliament passed the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill on Wednesday night by 77 to 44 votes.
Fairfax Media reports Mr O'Farrell would prefer federal parliament to change the Marriage Act, but he is prepared to go it alone if a parliamentary inquiry in NSW finds the state can do so.
Marriage equality advocates say Mr O'Farrell's comments are an important breakthrough.
"Marriage equality is no longer a left/right issue but one that conservatives can support because it's about equality, individual freedom and family values," Australian Marriage Equality national director Rodney Croome said in a statement.
"With strong support from such a prominent Liberal we can see the light at the end of the tunnel on this important and urgent issue."
He said the comments showed that the NZ vote was already having an impact in Australia.
Members of the NSW Marriage Equality Working Group also welcomed Mr O'Farrell's comments, saying he reflected the "journey" many had gone through to embrace equality.
"NSW now has the same political setting that led to the successful NZ vote, with both leaders supporting the reform, all parties having a conscience vote, and all sides of politics working together to progress the reform," they said in a joint statement.
The statement said the working group would present parliament with a constitutionally valid bill "that will alleviate constitutional concerns and give same-sex couples in NSW the ability to marry".
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