Marriage equality advocates say the Australian Parliament should be ashamed the reform has been given the green light by the traditionally conservative UK House of Lords, and have renewed their call for the recognition of overseas same-sex marriages
Australian Marriage Equality national Director Rodney Croome said:
“When one of the most conservative chambers in the world can give marriage equality the green light, it’s humiliating and shameful that the Australian parliament can’t.”
“The House of Lords has overwhelmingly agreed to debate marriage equality, something the Australian Parliament balked at only last week when it rejected an opportunity to vote on Adam Bandt’s marriage equality bill.”
Mr Croome said the likelihood Britian will achieve marriage equality within weeks increases the need to recognise overseas same-sex marriages before the federal election.
“Within weeks we will see Australian couples marrying in British consulates only to be ‘unmarried’ as soon as they step outside.”
“We urge both major parties to support the Greens’ bill currently before the Senate to recognise marriages entered into by same-sex couples overseas.”
The House of Lords last night defeated an attempt to derail a marriage equality bill that has already passed the House of Commons.
The vote is widely seen as a sign the bill will pass.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: Australian Marrage Equality
Publication Date: June 5 2013