NZ gay marriage increases presssure on Tasmania to act. NW rally

Marriage equality advocates say the passage of reform in New Zealand, expected tonight, increases pressure on Tasmania to move forward on the issue.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

“The majority of Australians who support marriage equality do not want us to fall behind New Zealand, but with the federal parliament unwilling to tackle this reform it is up to Tasmania to take the initiative.”

“Hundreds of couples will travel to New Zealand to marry and spend money that would have been spent in Tasmania if reform had been passed last year.”

“I urge Upper House members to support reform this time around so Tasmania can claim at least some of the marriage equality cake.”

A Same-Sex Marriage Bill was passed by the Tasmanian Lower House last year but defeated by two votes in the Upper House.

Three Upper House electorates will go the polls on May 4th, all of which were represented by members who opposed the Same-Sex Marriage Bill when it was defeated last year.

NZ MARRIAGE EQUALITY “A GAME CHANGER” FOR AUSTRALIA

Australian marriage equality advocates say the achievement of marriage equality in New Zealand this evening will be a game changer in Australia.

Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome, said,

“The majority of Australians who support marriage equality will be happy for New Zealand but deeply embarrassing their own country is lagging so far behind.”

“This will be a game changer in Australia because of the close links between our two countries.”

“New Zealand shows how reform can be achieved when national leaders put politics aside and work together, unlike Australia’s leaders who are still playing politics with marriage equality.”

“In particular, Coalition leader, Tony Abbott, has a lesson to learn from New Zealand’s conservative Prime Minister, John Key, who allowed his party a conscience vote, in contrast to Abbott’s Coalition which does not let its members vote for this reform.”

“As same-sex couples begin to marry, New Zealand will also show those Australians who are still conflicted about marriage equality that they have nothing to fear.”

Mr Croome said over 1000 Australian couples have indicated to Australian Marriage Equality they intend to marry in New Zealand as soon as possible, through a survey on AME’s website.

“With marriage equality now just three hours away by plane, those Australian same-sex couples who are tired of waiting will marry in New Zealand instead.”

“Sadly, the moment they walk back through Australian customs their solemn vows of life-long commitment will count for nothing and they will be considered legal strangers by their own government.”

“It is estimated that Australian same-sex couples would spend $700 million on their weddings if they were allowed to marry, but now New Zealand will get a significant slice of money that should be spent here.”

Marriage equality legislation was defeated in the Australian Parliament in August last year. The ruling Labor Party has a conscience vote, but not the opposition conservative Coalition. Both the Labor prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, oppose marriage equality.

Legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry has been introduced in several Australia states and is expected to be debated in at least some states later this year.

• YOUTUBE: Maurice Williamson MP: Rainbow over my electorate

• Nick McKim: New Zealand sets example on marriage equality

• Guy Barnett: New Zealand same-sex marriage laws have no impact

• Rodney Croome:

ADVOCATES TO PUSH FOR RECOGNITION OF OVERSEAS SAME-SEX MARRIAGES

NEW ZEALAND VOTE GIVES “HOPE AND INSPIRATION” TO AUSTRALIAN EQUALITY SUPPORTERS

Marriage equality advocates say they will throw their weight behind a Green initiative to recognise overseas same-sex marriages in Australian law.

The move comes after the New Zealand parliament voted in favour of marriage equality last night, with predictions hundreds of Australian same-sex couples will fly across the Tasman to marry.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,

“When Australian same-sex couples who are married in New Zealand walk back through Australian customs their solemn vows of life-long commitment amount to nothing and they are considered legal strangers.”

“If federal parliament can’t yet allow same-sex marriages in Australia, the least it can is recognise the solemn vows Australians have made overseas.”

Today, Greens Senator, Sarah Hanson-Young, announced a Bill to remove that section of the Marriage Act which explicitly bans Australian Governments from recognising same-sex marriages.

Mr Croome said 1000 Australian same-sex couples have already responded to a survey circulated by Australian Marriage Equality saying they intend to marry in New Zealand.

Other countries that recognise overseas same-sex marriages without performing them domestically include Slovenia, Israel and Japan.

Mr Croome went in to urge Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott to open their hearts to those couples who simply aspire to be equal.

“Today is a day of great joy for New Zealanders, and of hope and inspiration for supporters of marriage equality in Australia.”

“New Zealand’s leaders have put politics aside and united behind this reform and we call on Australia’s political leaders to do the same.”

“In particular, we call on Tony Abbott to follow the lead of New Zealand’s conservative prime minister, John Key, and allow a conscience vote for the Coalition.”

• Rodney Croome, Thursday PM:

REFUSAL BY FEDERAL LEADERS TO CHANGE GAY MARRIAGE STANCE IN WAKE OF NZ VOTE INCREASES PRESSURE ON TASMANIA TO LEAD

Marriage equality advocates have turned their sights back to Tasmania following the passage of same-sex marriage legislation in New Zealand last night.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

“With marriage equality now just across the Tasman, and with Australia’s national leaders still refusing to act, it’s time for Tasmania to take the lead.”

“Tasmania has lost the opportunity to attract those same-sex couples who will now go to New Zealand to marry, but we still have an opportunity to lead Australia to this important reform.”

“I urge all supporters of marriage equality to vote for a candidate who supports Tasmania leading the way on this issue when three Upper House seats go to the polls on May 4th.”

Last night the New Zealand Parliament voted overwhelming to allow same-sex couples to marry.

In response, both Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, have confirmed their opposition to marriage equality remains undiminished.

Last year a Same-Sex Marriage Bill was narrowly defeated in the Tasmanian Upper House.

• Rodney Croome, FRIDAY: O’FARRELL APPLAUDED FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY STAND ADVOCATES SEE “LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL”

Marriage equality advocates say they can see “the light at the end of the tunnel” following strong support for the issue from NSW Liberal Premier, Barry O’Farrell.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,

“Mr O’Farrell represents not only the majority of Australians who support narraige equality but also the majority of Liberal voters.”

“Marriage equality is no longer a left/right issue but one that conservatives can support because it’s about equality, individual freedom and family values.”

“With strong support from such a prominent Liberal we can see the light at the end of the tunnel on this important and urgent issue.”

In the wake of marriage equality in New Zealand, Mr O’Farrell has thrown his support behind marriage equality and called for federal opposiition leader, Tony Abbott, to allow a conscience vote.

Mr O’Farrell has also said he will consider backing a NSW state law should the federal parliament fail to act.

Mr Croome said,

“With a centre-right leader backing marriage equality and strong cross-party cooperation on the issue, NSW is now in the same position as New Zealand was before it passed reform.”

“Mr O’Farrell’s shows the New Zealand vote is already having a profound effect in Australia.”

Other Liberals who have recently endorsed marriage equality include federal MP, Kelly O’Dwyer, and Melbourne Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle.

• CALL ON HODGMAN TO FOLLOW O’FARRELL AND ALLOW MARRIAGE EQUALITY FREE VOTE

ULVERSTONE TO HOST FAMILY MARRIAGE EQUALITY BBQ TOMORROW

Marriage equality advocates have called on State Liberal leader, Will Hodgman, to allow a conscience vote on same-sex marriage after NSW Liberal Premier, Barry O’Farrell, today allowed his MPs the same right and he said he may consider voting for a state bill himself.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

“Barry O’Farrell’s support for a marriage equality conscience vote is a reminder that individual freedom is a Liberal Party value which we call on Will Hodgman to uphold as well.”

“It is inconsistent for the Tasmanian Liberals to have a conscience vote on abortion but not on an issue like marriage equality which has the support of many social conservatives and people of faith.”

Mr O’Farrell, who came out in support of marriage equality after the New Zealand vote in favour of reform on Wednesday night, also called on federal Liberal leader, Tony Abbott, to allow a conscience vote, prompting Mr Croome to ask Tasmania’s federal Liberal Senators to do the same.

“Regardless of whether Tasmania’s Liberal Senators support or oppose marriage equality, they should be upholding the Liberal Party’s long tradition of allowing freedom of conscience, especially when the Labor Party already does so.”

Meanwhile, a marriage equality family BBQ will be held in Ulverstone tomorrow. Speakers include Mike Gaffney MLC.

When: 11am to 2pm, Saturday 20th April
Where: Ulverstone rowing club: Kings Parade, Ulverstone
Food: free sausage sizzle + drinks
Fun: free games/activities for kids
Performances: music from Beth and Jess Brownrigg
Speakers: Mike Gaffney, local parent Jen Laws, local marriage equality spokesperson, Nick Outterside

• Nick McKim: NSW Liberals put Tas peers to shame on marriage equality