A local politician in New South Wales, Australia has declared his support for gay marriage.

Scot MacDonald, a member of the legislative council (MLC) for the socially conservative Liberal party, told a local newspaper that he used to think civil unions were sufficient but has changed his mind after speaking to the parents of gay children.

‘I did get a representation from parents of gay children and I found that quite compelling. There were stories of bullying and alienation, and I do tend to think, in our society, we need to embrace everybody and we’ll be a better society if we don’t alienate people,’ MacDonald said to The Armidale Express.

Tomorrow (24 May) the New South Wales (NSW) upper house will debate a motion about same-sex marriage. MLCs from all parties are allowed a conscience vote on the debate but the vote will not bring in any legislation.

If the state votes in favor of same-sex marriage however, it will put pressure on the federal government to bend to the growing support for the issue.

‘If they see the NSW Parliament pass that motion and they see a cross-section of people from all parties support it, I think it’s a little more pressure,’ said MacDonald. ‘It’s a fair cop to say it’s a symbolic motion and a symbolic vote, but these things have a way of building momentum.’

The Australian Marriage Act will only have a chance of being amended to include same-sex marriage when the federal government votes on two bills later this year.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has said she will allow Labor MPs a conscience vote on the amendment, even though she personally opposes same sex marriage.

Leader of the opposition, Tony Abbot, has so far keep quiet over whether he will allow the coalition of Liberal and National MPs he leads to vote freely on the issue.

Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said:

‘Mr MacDonald's support shows marriage equality is just as important to rural and regional communities, and to conservatives, as it is to other Australians… it will become increasingly difficult for Tony Abbott to refuse to allow a conscience vote on the issue.’