The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the news that our close neighbour New Zealand has become the latest nation to legislate for marriage equality.
Greens Leader Nick McKim said that the passing of this legislation was a massive boost for those campaigning for human rights and marriage equality and the New Zealand Parliament should be commended for showing maturity and leadership on the issue.
“Congratulations to New Zealand and well done to all the politicians who showed leadership on this issue by voting in favour of the reform, it’s certainly exciting progress for their country,” said Mr McKim.
“New Zealand has become the 13th nation to legislate for marriage equality in a global trend that shows no sign of slowing down.”
“The world is changing and Tasmania still has the chance to lead our nation on this fundamental human rights issue.”
“The floodgates on this issue have opened, just last week Uruguay and France passed marriage equality laws.”
“New Zealand is set to reap the economic benefits of this reform as many Tasmanian and Australian same-sex couples make the short jaunt across the Tasman to get married and have their honeymoon.”
“Pushes for this reform will continue at both a State and Federal level, it is not going away and will inevitably pass. People need to ask their local MPs why we are still waiting.”
“The people of Pembroke, in particular, have the opportunity to advance this issue in Tasmania by voting out their incumbent member who voted against state-based marriage equality laws recently,” Mr McKim said.
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader
