Paul Howes wants ALP to force it's MPs to support gay marriage AWU boss Paul Howes says Labor MPs should vote in favour of any marriage equality laws. AUSTRALIAN Workers' Union boss Paul Howes wants Labor MPs to be forced to vote in favour of gay marriage, in line with the party's platform. Currently, Labor MPs will be allowed a conscience vote on the issue. Should MPs be forced to vote in line with their party's platform? Have your say in the comments field below The Right faction powerbroker says he was wrong at the last conference, held in 2011, to argue for a conscience vote and he'll make the argument for the change at an Australian Marriage Equality forum in Sydney tonight. Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said she is disappointed Mr Howes arrived at his new position after Labor lost power. She called on Labor to move to a binding vote in time to stop any attempt by the Abbott government to have parliament overturn ACT laws legalising same sex marriage.