RODNEY CROOME Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group
Applause for Tas Labor endorsement of same-sex marriage vote sends strong message to Rudd Government
Gay law reform advocates have applauded this morning’s decision by the Tasmanian ALP State Conference to endorse same-sex marriage.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said the decision increases pressure on delegates at this week’s national conference, where same-sex marriage is also on the table.

“This decision will send a strong message to the up-coming ALP National Conference and the Rudd Government to support equality in marriage for same-sex partners”, Mr Croome said.

“Clearly, the grass roots of the Labor Party has heard the message that a majority of Australians support marriage equality for same-sex couples, even if the Party’s federal leadership is lagging behind.”

According to Mr Croome, Tasmanians should feel proud their state remains a leader on social and legal reform.

“It’s appropriate that the first Australian state to adopt a civil union scheme for same-sex couples is also leading the debate on same-sex marriage”, he said.

“Today’s decision will help dispel the unfair stereotype of Tasmania as socially backward.”

Mr Croome went on to say that opponents of marriage equality like State Conference delegate, Senator Helen Polley, are wrong to claim that a majority of same-sex partners are content with the Rudd Government decision to recognise them as de facto partners but not allow them to marry.

“Repeated surveys in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community have consistently found that over 80% of same-sex partners want the right to marry.”

A Galaxy Poll released last month found that 60% of Australians and 64% of Labor voters support same-sex marriage.
http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/releases/20090616.htm

In 2003 Tasmania established the nation’s first civil union scheme for same-sex couples and the first in the world for everyone in a significant personal relationship.
http://www.relationshipstasmania.org.au/

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The Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group has also welcomed a commitment by the State Government to introduce a State Charter of Rights.

Spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said a Charter of Rights will guarantee what all Tasmanians deserve and expect but don’t always receive, fair and equal treatment.

“A Charter of Rights will help ensure a fair go for all Tasmanians”, Mr Croome said.

The commitment was made at today’s Tasmanian State ALP Conference by Attorney-General, Lara Giddings.

And:

Monday 27 July 2009

Greens call for courage on same-sex marriage rights from ALP national conference

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on the Rudd Government to back the Greens’ Marriage Equality Bill to grant same-sex couples equal marriage rights, in light of strong support for same-sex marriage within the Australian Labor Party.

The ALP’s Tasmanian state conference passed a motion yesterday calling on the Federal Government to amend the Marriage Act to allow same-sex couples to marry. The party’s national conference meets from this Friday.

“This week, the ALP National Conference has the opportunity to send a message to the Australian community that it stands for equal marriage rights for all, regardless of a person’s gender or sexual identity,”
said Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson on Sexuality and Gender Identity.

“Poll results have been showing consistently that a majority of Australians support equal marriage rights for same-sex couples.

“This motion endorsed by the Tasmanian Labor conference yesterday indicates strong support for same-sex marriage rights within the ranks of the ALP too.

“It’s time for the party, on a national level, to find the courage to recognise that in its policy.”

Last month, Senator Hanson-Young introduced the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009 as a private member’s bill to legislate for marriage rights for same-sex couples. The Bill has been referred to committee for inquiry and is currently receiving submissions.

“The Greens’ Marriage Equality Amendment Bill stands as a piece of legislation that is ready to bring Australia into step with other forward-thinking nations,” she said.

“I urge the Rudd Government to allow its members and senators a conscience vote on this bill, to reflect the true will of those elected members.”

Senator Hanson-Young will be speaking at a rally at Melbourne’s Federation Square as part of the Equal Love National Day of Action for Same-Sex Marriage from 1pm this Saturday 1 August.

More information about the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee’s Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009 can be found at:
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/legcon_ctte/marriage_equality/ind

ex.htm