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.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome
