Marriage equality advocates have called on the South Australian parliament to pass a proposed state-based marriage equality law following the marriage of South Australian state government minister, Ian Hunter, and his husband, Leith Semmens, in Spain.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome said,
“While this is a happy time for Ian Hunter and his husband, Leith Semmens, their marriage is tinged with the sadness of knowing their solemn vows will not be respected in Australian law.”
“We call on the South Australian parliament to lead the nation toward marriage equality by allowing same-sex couples to legally marry and fully recognising same-sex marriages from overseas.”
“Reform at a federal level would be best, but in the absence of this Ian Hunter’s wedding is a strong impetus for South Australia to take the lead.”
South Australian Premier, Jay Weatherill, supports the state-based same-sex marriage law which has been introduced in the state’s Upper House and is expected to be debated early next year.
Both Labor and Liberal members of the South Australian Parliament have been allowed a conscience vote, giving the law a fighting chance of success.
In September, a similar Tasmanian law was defeated by two votes in the state Upper House.
In May, former AME national convener and current state MP for Sydney, Alex Greenwich, was married in Argentina.
For a report on Ian Hunter’s marriage click here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-20/gay-marriage-a-first-for-australian-mp/4437300
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.