Thousands of marriage equality supporters and their families have marched in rallies across Australia calling on the federal parliament to deliver one of the most popular reforms before it.
At the Adelaide rally, South Australian Premier, Jay Weatherill, declared his government will support a Green’s state-based same-sex marriage bill, following the lead of Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings who spoke at the Hobart rally.
“The message from today’s events couldn’t be clearer – Australians want marriage equality and if the federal government fails to deliver the reform will happen state by state and territory by territory”, Mr Greenwich said.
“With the Tasmanian, South Australian and ACT Governments all moving ahead on the issue we are more hopeful than ever before that same-sex marriages will occur on Australian soil this year”
Mr Greenwich said it was time for Canberra to stop standing in the way of reform.
“This reform will happen so the only question for MPs and Senators is what side of history do they want to be on?”
Mr Greenwich congratulated Jay Weatherill for joining Lara Giddings and showing leadership on the reform.
“The international experience shows us when heads of government back this reform it happens.”
Mr Greenwich cited the pivotal roles played by New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, Washington Governor, Christine Gregoire, and the President of Argentina, Cristina Kircher.
The news comes as a poll released this week showed support for marriage equality at it’s highest level of 64% and the launch of a new ad campaign about how important the reform is to families across Australia. (Details here)
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.