Marriage equality advocates have labelled as “disingenuous” the Federal Government’s rationale for expediting a High Court challenge against the ACT’s new marriage equality law.
Federal Attorney-General, George Brandis, has said it will minimise distress for same-sex couples seeking to marry in the ACT and will ensure “nationally-consistent” marriage laws.
Australian Marriage Equality, national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“If the Federal Government is sincere about avoiding distress for same-sex couples and ensuring consistency across Australia, it will allow a conscience vote so this reform can be passed at a federal level.”
“Few things are more distressing to same-sex couples and our families than laws which exclude us from an institution which connotes love, commitment and family.”
Mr Croome said all relationship law reform in Australia has occurred first at a state and territory level before occurring nationally.
“The states and territories led the way on the recognition of heterosexual marriages, heterosexual de facto relationships, same-sex de facto relationships and civil partnerships.”
“I don’t see why same-sex marriages would be any different.”
“The Federal Government’s ‘national consistency’ argument is really just another way of saying ‘nothing should change’.”
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 23 October 2013