Opinion
Bright, amongst the gloom …
Amidst Tasmania’s economic gloom and doom a small bright spot…
Australian Marriage Equality has published a map showing what legal recognition there is for same-sex relationships in each state and territory. Tasmania scores highest – a remarkable achievement given that it was the last state to decriminalise homosexuality. The way recognition of same-sex couples seems to spread out from Tasmania to the other states reminds me of Tim Bowden’s famous comment about Tasmania being the nation’s testicle infusing it with strength.
Obviously, things aren’t perfect. In Tasmania we still have discriminatory parenting laws and same-sex couples still can’t marry anywhere in Australia. But it doesn’t hurt to acknowledge our achievements once in a while.
For an interactive version of the map go to www.australianmarriageequality.com and scroll to the bottom of the page.
