Outgoing MP for Sydney Clover Moore has officially endorsed Australian Marriage Equality’s Alex Greenwich to stand for election to replace her.

‘The Parliament needs a strong independent voice to stand up for the issues and concerns that are important to the people of Sydney, and that is why I am endorsing Alex Greenwich,’ Moore said.

Moore has represented Sydney as an independent for 24 years but new legislation from state premier Barry O’Farrell, nicknamed the ‘Get Clover’ law, dictates that one person cannot hold dual political roles. Since Moore was re-elected Lord Mayor of Sydney earlier this month, she had to stand-down as the city’s MP.

Greenwich has crusaded relentlessly for marriage equality in Australia over the last year.

In April, he managed to arrange a dinner with the prime minister and three same-sex couples and he has consistently responded to the highs and lows of the gay marriage campaign with fast and pertinent comments.

When announcing his decision to stand for election Greenwich said:

‘As someone who has lived in Sydney for 20 years, run a small business for 10, and been a community activist for five, I know how important it is to keep Sydney’s voice independent. I have a record of taking on the major parties and getting things done.’

Greenwich will stand against Liberal candidate Shayne Mallard, who is also openly gay, and Greens candidate Chris Harris. The Labor party are yet to announce a candidate.

Tasmanian gay rights activist Rodney Croome will replace Greenwich as national convener of Australian Marriage Equality.

Australian Marriage Equality today called on MPs not to endorse moves to bring civil unions to Australia following yesterday’s failure to pass a same-sex marriage bill in the House of Representatives.

‘Supporters of marriage equality must oppose civil unions because they are not a substitute for full equality,’ said Greenwich in his role as Australian Marriage Equality national convenor.

‘We will campaign hard against civil unions because they have proven to be failed experiment and have only delayed equality where enacted. The international experience is that they are a step away from marriage equality rather than a step towards.’

Watch Greenwich’s election campaign video here: