Marriage equality advocates have called on Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, to rule out a High Court challenge to a Tasmanian law allowing same-sex marriages.
The call comes in the wake of a question to Acting Prime Minister, Wayne Swan, from Tasmanian independent, Andrew Wilkie, who sought an assurance the Tasmanian law will not be challenged.
Mr Swan, rather than answering the question, said he will not provide a running commentary on a law currently before the Tasmanian Parliament.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
“Tasmanian MPs and the Tasmanian people deserve an assurance that the Commonwealth will not seek to overturn our same-sex marriage bill should it become law.”
“The core of a healthy federal system is that states are allowed to make laws for their good of their citizens and marriage equality will do nothing but good for Tasmania.”
Australian Marriage Equality national convened, Alex Greenwich, said,
“A challenge to the Tasmanian law would run counter to Labor policy in support of marriage equality and to the spirit of federalism.”
“We urge the Federal Government to make it crystal clear they will not challenge the Tasmanian law.”
A Bill allowing for same-sex marriage has passed the Tasmanian Lower House but it’s passage through the Upper House is uncertain.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668 or Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335