Tasmanian Law Reform Institute report into State Based same-sex marriage laws will be released at 9am on Thursday 10th October in Hobart.

A Law Reform Institute Press Call will be held tomorrow on the Tasmanian Parliament Lawns at 12pm, followed at 12:15pm with by Ruth Forrest MLC, NSW MP Alex Greenwich, and Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality Convener Andrew Badcock

The report is expected to address the concerns raised by Members of the Legislative Council in 2012 during the debate of the Same Sex Marriage Bill 2012. That bill was defeated with some MLCs opposing the bill over concerns about the constitutionality of state same-sex marriage laws and the cost of a Tasmania defending a high court challenge.

Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality convenor Andrew Badcock said:

“We are hopeful this report will alleviate the constitutional and other concerns of some MLCs and pave the way for Tasmania to embrace a reform that will benefit families, communities, couples, and the economy”

“If this independent and expert legal advice gives room for Tasmania to legislate for same-sex marriage we hope all MLCs will support Ruth Forrest’s motion to allow debate on a reform that has excited the aspirations of our state, and consider the advice when deciding on the issue”

NSW Independent MP and Australian Marriage Equality Chair, Alex Greenwich, will be in Hobart for the release of the report and to meet with MLCs to discuss the legislation, he said:

“State-based same-sex marriage laws have come a long way over the past 12 months, with legislation being strengthened to give State MPs confidence in the constitutionality of the reform”

“I hope this report gives Tasmanian MLCs the same confidence NSW MPs, across the political spectrum, have in progressing with reform”

“If constitutional and high courts concerns prevented MLCs from voting in favour last time, hopefully the Tasmania Law Reform Institute will alleviate these concerns and allow the MLCs the opportunity to legislate for this historic reform”

Once the report has been issued a statement will be released, followed by a press conference at 12pm with the Law Reform Institute and with Ms Forrest, Mr Greenwich, and Mr Badcock at 12:15pm.

For more information contact Andrew Badcock on 0400884149 or Alex Greenwich on 0458042342

Author: Alex Greenwich
Publication: Media Release
Date: 9 October 2013