Author: Rosemary Bolger
Publication: The Examiner
Publication Date: March 29, 2013
GAY marriage supporters say significant progress in other countries means it’s time for Tasmania to reconsider same-sex marriage, only six months after it was rejected by the Legislative Council.
Murchison independent MLC Ruth Forrest this week took the first step to resuscitate the Same-Sex Marriage Bill defeated 8-6 in late September, moving a motion to reinstate it on the Legislative Council’s notice paper.
A majority of MLCs must support the motion which Ms Forrest hopes will be voted on in May.
If the motion is successful, MLCs will then debate the legislation again in the second half of this year.
There will be at least one new face in the Legislative Council then, with President Sue Smith to retire in May.
Her Montgomery electorate is one of three seats going to the polls on May 4. Nelson and Pembroke are held by MLCs opposed to the bill up for election.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman Rodney Croome said Britain, France and New Zealand were close to legalising same-sex marriage.
“I think an important impetus to revisit this (in Tasmania) is rapid reform overseas,” Mr Croome said.
An inquiry launched by the New South Wales Parliament examining the constitutional issues of state-based marriage laws could also influence MLCs’ views.
Mr Croome hoped the inquiry, expected to report in May, would allay concerns a Tasmanian marriage law would lead to a High Court challenge. The possibility of an expensive case was a major reason Nelson independent MLC Jim Wilkinson voted against the bill, despite supporting the principle.
“What NSW is doing is what we should have done and that is to take a considered look at this issue,” Mr Croome said.
Ms Forrest abandoned setting up a separate inquiry on constitutional issues here after meeting strong resistance from many of her colleagues last year.