Flawed, biased and irrelevant

ANTI-EQUALITY POLL DISMISSED AS FLAWED, BIASED AND IRRELEVANT

– STATE MARRIAGE BILL WILL CREATE JOBS AND IMPROVE HEALTH
– ADVOCATES WILL CONTINUE CAMPAIGN TO BRING BACK SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL
– BEST WAY TO GET SAME-SEX MARRIAGE OFF STATE AGENDA IS TO PASS IT

Marriage equality advocates have dismissed as flawed, biased and irrelevant a poll released today by the Save Marriage Coalition and have vowed to continue their campaign to bring back the same-sex marriage bill based on research which shows it will create jobs and has majority support.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome said

“Every legitimate poll on marriage equality shows a majority of Tasmanians support the reform, and support Tasmania taking the lead on the issue, so it’s no surprise the Save Marriage Coalition had to ask biased and irrelevant questions to create the false impression Tasmanians are against change.”

“Independent studies show that a state Same-Sex Marriage Act will generate hundreds of jobs through the wedding-spend of same-sex couples and will improve the health of same-sex couples and their families.”

“We will continue to campaign for a reform that will strengthen relationships and families, which is good for the Tasmanian community and economy, and which is being enacted right around the world.”

“The best way to get same-sex marriage off the political agenda is to pass it.”

Mr Croome was scathing of what he called “the fatal flaws” of the SMC survey.

“It is irrelevant to compare the importance people give jobs, health and education to the importance they give marriage equality because the former affects everyone while the latter only directly affects a minority of Tasmanians.”

“People surveyed for this poll told us that they were asked ‘do you support Nick McKim’s proposal to again pursue same-sex marriage legislation through the Tasmanian parliament’, which was an obvious attempt to bias the result by tapping into anti-Green sentiment.”

Last year, respected Tasmanian polling company EMRS conducted a poll of 1000 Tasmanians which found that 61% believe same-sex couples should be able to marry and 54% believe the state should lead the way on the issue. For a media release on the poll, click here. For a full report on the poll, click here.

The SMC survey of 400 Tasmanians conducted by Myriad research found same-sex marriage is considered less important than jobs, health and education and that two out of three people believe it is a federal issue.

According to survey respondents who contacted Mr Croome, the question about whether marriage is a federal issue was biased by the following preamble:

“Given the Marriage Act is Commonwealth legislation and that the same-sex marriage bill was rejected by the Legislative Council; and any marriages may not be recognised by other states; do you support Nick McKim’s proposal to again pursue same-sex marriage legislation through the Tasmanian parliament later this year?”

Last year’s Same-Sex Marriage Bill was co-sponsored by Premier Lara Giddings and Greens’ Leader, Nick McKim. It was carried through the Upper House by independent member for Murchison, Ruth Forrest.

Ms Forrest has a motion before the Upper House to bring back the bill for debate.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome