Advocates still hopeful for marriage equality in SA

CAMPAIGN FOR EQUALITY WILL FOCUS ON COUPLES / FAMILIES
DEFEAT SHOWS IMPORTANCE OF CROSS-PARTY CO-OPERATION

Marriage equality advocates remain hopeful same-sex couples will be able to legally marry in South Australia despite today’s state Lower House vote against a same-sex marriage bill.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,

“There is another Bill before the State Upper House which we believe has a good chance of being passed if and when the Liberal Party allows a conscience vote.”

“We will continue to campaign for marriage equality in South Australia, addressing the constitutional and social concerns raised in today’s debate.”

“Our focus will be on introducing MPs to those South Australian couples and their families who urgently need this reform and who don’t have time to wait for the federal parliament to act.”

The Bill, from Labor MP, Susan Close, was defeated after the State Liberals refused to allow a conscience vote.

Liberal leader, Steven Marshall, said his party considers the Bill unconstitutional but will reconsider its stance if more evidence comes to light.

Tomorrow, the NSW parliament is expected to release a report on the constitutional issues raised by state same-sex marriage laws.

Mr Croome said today’s defeat shows the importance of cross-party co-operation on marriage equality.

“I urge marriage equality supporters in all parties to put politics to one side and work more closely to build a cross-party coalition for reform.”

“Cross-party co-operation has been the key to acheving marriage equality in New Zealand and the UK and it will also be the key to moving forward at a state or federal level in Australia.”

Greens MP, Tammy Franks, has a same-sex marriage bill before the state Upper House which she intends to bring forward for debate during the Spring sitting of Parliament.

Earlier this year the South Australian Upper House voted in favour of a motion congratulating New Zealand on achieving marriage equality and giving the reform in-principle support.

And,

CENSUS DATA ON SAME-SEX COUPLES RE-INFORCES CASE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY
LAW DENIES GROWING NUMBER OF AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN THE CHANCE TO HAVE MARRIED PARENTS

Marriage equality advocates say Census data released today, including a doubling in the number of children being raised by same-sex couples, re-inforces the case for marriage equality.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome said,

“The doubling in the number of children who are being raised by same-sex couples is a strong argument for marriage equality because discrimination in the law is currently denying these children the opportunity and benefits of having married parents.”

“The 1,300 same-sex couples who have indicated they are already married sends a message that at the very least Australia’s law against recognising overseas same-sex marriages should be repealed.”

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today released demographic information on same-sex couples from the 2011 Census.

The Census found the number of same-sex partners has increased since 2006, that 1,300 same-sex couples are married, and that the number of children being raised by same-sex couples has almost doubled from 2001 and is now at 6,300.

Mr Croome said the ABS has acknowledged the actual numbers are likely to be much higher because many same-sex partners don’t want to indicate their relationship status on an official form, or don’t know they can.

Mr Croome also expressed scepticism about results showing higher than average education and employment rates among same-sex partners.

“I interpret the increase in same-sex couples as representing an increase in the confidence of same-sex partners to officially indicate their relationship rather than an actual increase in same-sex couples.”

“But there are still many same-sex partners who are wary of ticking the box that indicates they are in a relationship, or aren’t aware this is an option, including those from ethnic or lower socio-economic backgrounds.”

“This is why I take statistics about same-sex couples having higher than average education and employment levels with a grain of salt.”

For the ABS data, click here:
http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4102.0Main+Features10July+2013

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome