Marriage Equality advocates have welcomed tentative support for marriage equality in the ACT from Territory Deputy Chief Minister, Andrew Barr.
Mr Barr has told the Canberra Times that the ACT would “examine what happens in Tasmania and be open to looking at a similar change to the law”. (full report here)
Mr Barr who is also the Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Tourism, has also said he agrees with the Tasmanian Premier that economic studies prove same-sex marriages would benefit the economies of states and territories:
Australian Marriage Equality National Convener Alex Greenwich said:
“Mr Barr knows first-hand how meaningful this reform would be to couples in the ACT, and can see how beneficial the reform would be to the territory’s economy”
“The race is on, Australians want marriage equality and same-sex couples will reward whoever goes first”
“The message to the Federal Parliament is clear – if you ignore the aspirations of the majority of Australians and fail to support this reform it will occur anyway, state by state and territory by territory”.
A report on the economic impact of marriage equality can be found here.
For further information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335