Marriage equality advocates have welcomed support from the Tasmania Labor Party for a parliamentary motion in support of same-sex marriage. They say they will be disappointed if the Liberal Party doesn’t offer a conscience vote on the motion. Advocates will use a meeting tomorrow with the Premier, and today with the Liberal Party room, to outline the many economic benefits of same-sex marriage.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
“We welcome Labor Party support for the marriage equality motion because if passed the motion will send a strong message to the Federal Government that it is time for equality across the nation”, Mr Croome.
“Tasmania’s politicians are saying to the rest of the country that marriage is about love, not discrimination.”
“They are also saying Tasmania has well and truly moved on from being the last Australian state to decriminalise homosexuality to being at the forefront of equality for same-sex couples.”
Australian Marriage Equality, National Convener, Alex Greenwich, is in Hobart to promote the economic benefits to Tasmania of allowing same-sex marriages.
“Should Tasmania be the first to move on Marriage Equality, it can also expect a windfall”, Mr Greenwich said.
“Today, Australian Marriage Equality released a study showing Tasmania is set to benefit by as much as $136 million if it is the first state to allow same-sex marriages.”
“The survey shows 87% of Australian same-sex partners would marry in Tasmania if it was the first state to allow same-sex marriages and that 60% would spend over $10,000 on their Tasmanian wedding and honeymoon.”
“Should the Federal Government not act and Tasmania goes it alone becoming the first state in Australia with same-sex marriage, it can expect to benefit from a massive economic windfall similar to US states which have pioneered on this issue.”
“For example, New York state is predicted to gain a $1 Billion injection from allowing same-sex marriages.”
“Small business will benefit from the wedding spend of same-sex couples from across the nation and on top of that Tasmania will benefit from an increase in immigration from the highly-skilled creative class”
“Marriage Equality costs nothing, benefits the economy, and creates jobs…what other piece of legislation would does that?”
A study into the economic impact of same-sex marriage on the Australian economy, suggested the economy would benefit by $742 Million Dollars (details here ). This was based on the expected wedding spend, and cross-checked against the economic impact same-sex marriage has brought to parts of the USA, Argentina and Mexico City.
The economic benefits of marriage equality for Tasmania has also been explained by economic experts and those in the wedding industry:
“If Tasmania was the first state to allow same-sex couples to marry it would expand the number of couples marrying in Tasmania by several hundred percent. The impact would be spread across a wide and diverse range of small businesses from the obvious ones like celebrants, dress makers, florists and photographers through to accommodation, food and wine, gifts, advertising and travel. This is smart economics”
– Steve Mihalenko, editor, Bride Tasmania magazine, 0417 586 469
“There are economic benefits that would flow by having Tasmania at the top of queue on same-sex marriages. Look at the gains made by the California economy from being the first cab off the rank in recognising same-sex marriages as legitimate.”
– Dr Bruce Felmingham, reader in economics at the University of Tasmania (currently overseas)
Background:
– Tasmania was the last state to decriminalise homosexuality in 1997
– it was the first state to allow same-sex civil unions in 2003 and the first to acknowledge overseas same-sex marriages in 2010
– the Federal Marriage Act was amended to ban same-sex marriages in 2004
– the Tasmanian Greens introduced state same-sex marriage laws in 2005, 2008 and 2011
– state laws will be re-introduced if the Federal Government fails to act
Download:
Benefits_to_the_Tasmanian_economy_5.pdf
• TASMANIAN GREENS TABLE MARRIAGE EQUALITY MOTION
Nick McKim MP
Greens Leader
The Tasmanian Greens today tabled a motion that’s likely to see the Tasmanian Parliament become the first in the country to vote in support of marriage equality.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP today welcomed in-principle support from the Tasmanian Labor Party, and called on the Liberals to follow suit.
The text of the Greens’ Motion was as follows:
That this House:
1) Supports marriage equality; and
2) Calls on the Commonwealth parliament to amend the Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961 to provide for marriage equality.
“This is an historic opportunity for the Tasmanian Parliament to show to the rest of the country what a forward-thinking and progressive state Tasmania has become,” Mr McKim said.
“I’m pleased that the Labor Party wants to work in the spirit of co-operation and good faith on this very important issue.”
“Tasmania is now poised to lead the way, from being the last state to decriminalise homosexuality to the first state to vote in support of marriage equality.”
“The Greens believe the law needs to be changed to make same sex marriage legal, and poll after poll shows that Tasmanians and Australians are ready for change.”
“This motion won’t legalise same-sex marriage in Tasmania, but it will send a very strong signal to Federal Parliamentarians that this change is inevitable, and that people expect them to meet their responsibilities and amend federal legislation to remove this discrimination.”
“The Greens still believe that reform in Federal Parliament is the best mechanism to end legal discrimination against same-sex couples.”
“If Canberra doesn’t act by the end of the year, then the Greens have said we are prepared to bring on our Bills in the Tasmanian Parliament, which are currently tabled and would see Tasmania become the first state to legalise same sex marriage.”
“The Tasmanian Liberals seem to be arguing that tight economic times mean we should continue to discriminate against loving couples on the basis of basis of their sexual orientation.”
“The Greens believe that now is the right time for politicians to promote social inclusion and show they believe in equality.”
Mr McKim said he welcomed the release of figures by Australian Marriage Equality today showing the potential economic benefits to Tasmania, if it were the first state to legalise same sex marriage.”
“What this survey shows is that the argument in favour of marriage equality isn’t only about social inclusion, but smart economics.”
“If the Federal Government doesn’t act, Tasmania has an opportunity to take the lead and become a mecca for same sex weddings and honeymoons, delivering massive economic benefits to a whole range of industries.”
Note: The motion was introduced at the commencement of Parliament today at 10:00am. It will be debated between 12:00 and 2:50 tomorrow, followed by a vote at about 2:50pm.
Below: Fact sheet on Marriage Equality in Tasmania
25 Facts You Need To Know About Securing Marriage Equality in Tasmania
1. The Tasmanian Greens are part of a power-sharing minority Government with Labor, following the April 2010 state election. This Ministerial Arrangement (there is no formal coalition between the Greens and Labor) does not bind either Party on Policy Platforms, therefore the current power-sharing Parliament provides opportunities for positions to be determined on the floor of the House.
2. Tasmanian Greens Leader Nick McKim MP has tabled a Motion and will debate Marriage Equality as Greens Leader – NOT as a Government Bill.
Marriage Equality in Tasmania in 2011
3. In February 2011, the Greens commissioned an EMRS poll, which found 59% of Tasmanians support marriage equality. This is the most recent poll on marriage equality in Tasmania – and is consistent with other recent polls across Australia, which found similar levels of support for Marriage Equality.
4. Nick McKim MP released the poll results, on behalf of the Greens, on Monday, Sept 19, 2011.
5. On Tuesday, September 20, 2011, Nick McKim MP, on behalf of the Tasmanian Greens, tabled a Motion in Parliament calling on Tasmania’s House of Assembly to express its support for Marriage Equality.
6. On Wednesday, September 21, 2011, Mr McKim MP, on behalf of the Tasmanian Greens, will bring the Motion on for debate in Parliament.
The debate starts at 12 noon.
The vote happens at 2.50pm.
Lunch is from 1pm to 2.30pm.
7. The Greens recognise amending the Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961 to provide for Marriage Equality would be the best way to allow Marriage Equality in Australia – which is why the Greens are holding off bringing on our Bills for debate for the moment.
8. However, if the Tasmanian House of Assembly fails to support the Greens’ Marriage Equality motion on Wednesday, the Greens will bring on our cognate package of Same-Sex Marriage Bills previously tabled by Mr McKim in 2010.
9. If the Commonwealth Parliament amends the Federal Marriage Act to provide for Marriage Equality, Australia will become the eleventh country in the world to legally enshrine Marriage Equality (in which case, the Tasmania Greens could dispense with their tabled Bills).
Marriage Equality in Tasmanian – Background info
10. If the Tasmanian Parliament passes the Motion, it will become the first Parliament in Australia to express its support for marriage equality.
11. If the Motion passes, it would be a historic milestone for gay rights in Tasmania
12. If the Motion passes, it would also be a remarkable turnaround for Tasmania: in 14 years, Tasmania could go from the last place to decriminalise homosexuality to the first state to support marriage equality in Australia. Both these milestones would be achieved through power-sharing Parliaments.
13. If the Motion passes with Labor’s support, it will be another vindication of the Greens-Labor power-sharing minority Government – showing that great things can happen when two parties work together constructively to further good policy outcomes for the community.
14. The Greens have a legacy of driving socially progressive legislation like marriage equality.
15. As part of the 1996-1998 -Liberal minority government, under Premier Tony Rundle, the Greens ensured that legislation was passed to decriminalise homosexuality (Tasmania was the last state to do so!) It took a power-sharing Parliament to secure this significant civil liberties reform, and it is a power-sharing parliament which is providing the real possibility of marriage equality principle-support!
16. In 2003, Tasmania passed Civil Union/Registered Partnership laws
17. From 1 January 2004, Tasmania’s Relationships Act 2003 allowed same-sex couples to register their union as a type of domestic partnership
18. In 2008, Nick McKim released legal advice showing that there is no constitutional barrier to Tasmania introducing same-sex marriage laws, and said he intends to submit a bill to allow gay marriage in the state
19. In 2010, the Tasmanian Parliament unanimously passed legislation to recognise same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions as registered partnerships under the Relationships Act 2003 – making it the first Australian state or territory to do so
Why are the Greens driving Marriage Equality in Tasmania?
20. Because the right to marry should be a basic human right – and is the right thing for a civilised, accepting, grown-up society to do. It gives people a choice.
21. Many Australians may not care about marriage – but most have the choice and right to marry if they want – this should apply equally to all Australians, regardless of gender or sexuality.
22. There is never a right time for discrimination in Tasmania – or anywhere else. Supporting the Greens Marriage Equality motion paves the way to removing this discrimination, which prevents some people from marrying just because of their sexuality
23. Critics suggest ‘there are more important things to worry about’ but righting this wrong is one of many Greens policies which would improve our society and wellbeing – focusing on one issue does not mean the Greens are letting up on others. We’re not!
24. Marriage equality would strengthen the institution of marriage. It would not affect ‘traditional’ opposite-sex marriages now or in the future. But it would make a huge difference to all those people prevented from marrying just because of their sexuality.
25. Australia is a secular country with no official state religion, and our constitution recognises all religions as equal. Therefore, allowing Marriage Equality is not a religious issue, it is about Australia being the progressive country Australians are proud of.
• WATCH last week’s Marriage Equality Forum, YouTube HERE
First published: 2011-09-20 12:46 PM
• Kudelka
• TAS MARRIAGE EQUALITY VOTE WILL SEND “MESSAGE OF HOPE”
CALL ON OTHER STATES TO FOLLOW TAS LEAD
Equality advocates have hailed today’s vote in favour of marriage equality in the Tasmanian Lower House.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said the vote will send a powerful message to the rest of the nation.
“Today’s vote sends a compelling message to the Federal Government that it’s time for all Australian couples to have legal equality”, Mr Greenwich said.
“It also sends a message of hope to same-sex couples and their families that equality is coming and it is unstoppable.”
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, called on other state parliaments to follow Tasmania’s lead.
“If every state and territory parliament were to do what we have seen in Tasmania today it would be impossible for the federal parliament to continue to resist change.”
“If Tasmania can do this the other states and territories can do it too.”
“Some people think it’s remarkable that the last state to decriminalise homosexuality is now the state leading on full equality for same-sex couples but it makes perfect sense to me because Tasmanians remember the damage done by discrimination and prejudice and want to see everyone treated equally.”
A fact sheet on marriage equality in Tasmania and nationally is below:
FACT SHEET: MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN TASMANIA
AND ACROSS AUSTRALIA
Tasmanian Parliament marriage equality motion
– supports marriage equality and calls on the Federal Government to amend the Marriage Act to allow same-sex couples to marry but will not directly allow same-sex marriages
– introduced by Tasmanian Greens Leader, Nick McKim
– supported by the Labor Party, opposed by the Liberal Party
– first of its kind to be supported by a House of Parliament in Australia
Marriage equality in Tasmania
– Tasmania was the last Australian state to decriminalise homosexuality in 1997 but the first state to adopt a civil union scheme in 2004 and the first state to recognise overseas same-sex marriages in 2010
– marriage equality is supported by at least 60% of Tasmanians with national polls showing higher support in Tasmania than nationally
– it also has the support of two successive state Labor conferences, and of prominent Tasmanians like world champion axeman, David Foster
– the Tasmanian Greens have twice introduced state same-sex marriage laws (2005 & 2008) and plan to do so again if the Federal Government doesn’t act by the end of the year
Marriage equality in Australia
– an issue since the Howard Government banned same-sex marriages in 2004, a major issue since federal election of 2010
– supported by 60% of Australians including 53% of Australian Christians
– supported by the state ALP conferences in all states except NSW, but opposed by the leaders of both major parties
The case for marriage equality
– legal equality
– practical benefit of instant access to entitlements and proof of relationship status
– strengthens bonds between partners and families, and provides security and recognition for children
The economic case for equality
– if same-sex couples were able to marry under national law they would spend an estimated $742 million on weddings
– if Tasmania was the firs stage to recognise same-sex marriages it would benefit by $134.7 million from interstate couples marrying in Tasmania
Key quotes
“My daughter, Sally, her partner and their child are a family just like any other family so why can’t they have that recognised through marriage?”
– David Foster, Tasmanian world champion axeman
“There are economic benefits that would flow by having Tasmania at the top of queue on same-sex marriages. Look at the gains made by the California economy from being the first cab off the rank in recognising same-sex marriages as legitimate.”
– Dr Bruce Felmingham, reader in economics at the University of Tasmania
• Reactions: In Their Own Words, HERE
