Australia is lagging further behind similar countries with Scotland passing a new law allowing same-sex couples to marry.
The Scottish Parliament has overwhelmingly passed a marriage equality law, 105 votes to 18, becoming the 17th nation in the world to do so.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“Australia is out-of-step with most of Western Europe and almost the entire developed, English-speaking world by not allowing same-sex marriages.”
“It is increasingly embarrassing to many Australians that we are being left behind by those countries with which we share a common heritage and with which we have most in common.”
Same-sex couples can marry in England and Wales, New Zealand, Canada, the US and South Africa, as well as France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico and Brazil.
The Scottish legislation was passed with cross-party support after all MPs were allowed a free vote, and has been touted as world’s most progressive because it is fully inclusive of transgender and intersex people.
Mr Croome said the Australian Parliament should follow Scotland’s example by allowing all members a conscience vote, and by ensuring the full inclusive of transgender and intersex Australians.
For a news report on the Scottish vote, click here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 5 February 2014