SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL SET FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA / ADVOCATES SAY MARRIAGE EQUALITY MOMENTUM “UNSTOPPABLE” / CALL FOR CONSCIENCE VOTE FROM COALITION
Marriage equality advocates have welcomed today’s announcement by the WA Greens that they will introduce a state-based same-sex marriage bill into the Western Australian parliament. The news follows moves towards same-sex marriage in Tasmania, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, and it comes a week before the federal Senate is set to vote on the issue.
Alex Greenwich, national convener of Australian Marriage Equality, said:
“We applaud moves by the WA Greens to introduce a same-sex marriage bill to the Western Australian state parliament, as it shows that momentum towards marriage equality will continue even if the federal parliament fails to act.”
“The latest polling shows that 64% of Australians support this reform so it is no surprise that we are seeing same-sex marriage bills progress in various states and territories, as well as the federal parliament.”
“Polling shows that a majority of Coalition voters support this reform, so we call on Premier Colin Barnett to follow Liberal Party tradition by allowing a conscience vote when the bill comes to a vote.”
Legal advice from constitutional law expert Professor George Williams says that states and territories have the capacity to legislate for same-sex marriage because of a loophole created by the 2004 amendments to the Marriage Act.
“Marriage equality is no longer a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’, and the Coalition should ensure it is standing on the right side of history,” concluded Mr Greenwich.
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.