Marriage equality advocates have met with Tasmanian Premier, Lara Giddings, to thank her for supporting a landmark motion in favour of marriage equality and to put their case that there would be a massive economic benefit from Tasmania being the first state to allow same-sex marriages. (Photo below)
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, and Australian Marriage Equality national convener, met Ms Giddings in Hobart today ahead of the Tasmanian Parliament’s debate and vote on a Geens’ motion calling on the Federal Government to allow same-sex marriages across the nation.
Mr Croome said,
“We thanked the Premier for her support for the motion as well as the Labor Party’s support, and emphasised the strong, positive message this will send to the rest of the nation both about Tasmania being an inclusive and progressive society.”
“I’m hopeful other state parliaments will follow Tasmania’s lead by sending a clear, unequivocal message to Canberra that it’s time for full equality.”
Mr Greenwich said,
“We emphasised to Ms Giddings that the eyes of the nation will be on Tasmania this afternoon, and that a vote in favour of equality will send a message of hope to same-sex couples and their families across the country.”
“We also talked her through new figures showing that if Tasmania is the first state to allow same-sex marriages it will inject an estimated $134.7 million into the state economy.”
Yesterday Mr Croome and Mr Greenwich met with members of the Tasmanian Liberal Party, including Liberal leader, Will Hodgman.
Mr Greenwich said there was considerable interest in the economic case for equality.
“Some Liberals said they had never considered this side of the debate before and were studying the figures very closely.”
Speaking in Tasmanian Parliament today Premier Giddings said:
“This debate is an important way for us to send Tasmania and the rest of the nation the message that this house opposes discrimination…. The time for marriage equality is here”
Click here for a fact-sheet on marriage equality in Tasmania and Australia.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668 or Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335
