Marriage equality advocates have welcomed a move that could see Tasmanian become the first Australian jurisdiction to give in-principle support to marriage equality.
Greens Leader, Nick McKim, today announced he will table a motion on Tuesday, to be debated Wednesday, that will call on Parliament to agree that same-sex couples should be able to legally marry.
Australian Marriage Equality Campaign Director, Rodney Croome, who is also a long-time Tasmanian gay rights advocate, said the motion is a historic opportunity for Tasmania to lead the nation towards full equality for same-sex couples and called on both major parties to support it.
“By supporting the motion, Tasmanian MPs can show they believe the benefits of marriage should be shared equally by all Tasmanian couples regardless of gender”, Mr Croome said.
“Tasmania has led the way on recognising same-sex civil unions and overseas same-sex marriages and now it’s time for us to lead the way to full equality.”
Mr Croome said the majority of Tasmanians believe same-sex couples should be allowed to marry and it’s time for the state’s politicians to reflect this by declaring their support for reform.
“I urge Tasmania’s state MPs to follow the lead of Tasmania’s world champion axeman, David Foster, by supporting marriage equality”, Mr Croome said.
“I very much hope state Labor MPs will support the motion given that marriage equality has been supported by two Tasmanian Labor Party conferences, the first in 2009 and the second this year.”
“The Liberals should also support this motion given recent support for marriage equality from Conservative British Prime Minister, David Cameron, and former US Republican Vice President, Dick Cheney.”
Last week Mr Cheney told US television he is a supporter of marriage equality. Yesterday, the British press revealed the UK Government will enact marriage equality following “the personal intervention” of Prime Minister, David Cameron.
Nick McKim has previously introduced state same-sex marriage laws on the basis of advice from constitutional law expert Professor George Williams who believes that states have the power under the federal constitution to make such laws.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.