NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell, left, said he hoped the federal parliament would vote on laws to establish same-sex marriage in the first term of Tony Abbott’s government.
Four state Liberal premiers have urged the federal parliament to address same-sex marriage legislation, a day after the High Court unanimously struck down the ACT’s laws.
The High Court ruled on Thursday that the ACT’s marriage equality law was unconstitutional and could not operate alongside federal laws, as defined in the 1961 Marriage Act.
In comments that will increase pressure on Prime Minister Tony Abbott to address the issue, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said he hoped the federal parliament would vote on laws to establish same-sex marriage in the first term of the Abbott government.
“I’ve made clear all along that not only do I support marriage equality but I think it should be legislated for at a federal level,’’ he said before a Council of Australian Governments meeting in Canberra. “If you are going to have [same-sex] marriage you must also have a system for the break-up of marriage and property and children.
“I’ve always thought this should occur at a federal level, and I hope, yes, that during this term of parliament there is a vote on this issue.”
The Commonwealth argued during the case that, in part, the laws should be struck down because of the inconsistencies that would be created across state boundaries by the ACT legislation.
Victorian Premier Denis Napthine said on Friday that same-sex marriage was a matter for his federal colleagues, but suggested a conscience vote be considered.
‘THE MOOD OF THE AUSTRALIAN PEOPLE IS CHANGING’
“On these moral and ethical issues in the Victorian parliament, the Victorian Liberal Party has had a tradition of conscience votes,’’ he said.
Labor MPs were granted a conscience vote the last time the laws were proposed, but there has been no sign that Mr Abbott will overturn his decision not to allow Coalition MPs a conscience vote.
The Greens have re-introduced a bill to legalise same-sex marriage to the parliament, meaning another debate will be held next year.
West Australian Premier Colin Barnett said he did not personally support same-sex marriage, but predicted it was inevitable and backed a conscience vote for MPs.
“I think the mood of the Australian people is changing and I have no doubt that at some stage we will have same-sex marriage,’’ he said.
“I think the Australian people need to get to that point. When it comes to a vote, my view is yes, it should be a conscience vote.”
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman, who has previously backed same-sex marriage, said the issue was a matter for the federal parliament.
“I’m well and truly on the public record on my views,” he said.
Photo: Ben Rushton
Author: James Massola
Publication: Financial Review
Date: 13 December 2013
original article here