The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the findings of a New South Wales multi-party parliamentary committee which found that states had the constitutional authority to legislate for marriage equality.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that the findings were consistent with legal advice the Greens had received from constitutional law expert Professor of Law George Williams.
“The report unequivocally debunks the myth that only the Federal Parliament has the power to legislate regarding marriage, describing that view as ‘an error of fact’,” Mr McKim said.
“We hope that this sends a clear message to those Tasmanian Upper House and Liberal Party members who used arguments over constitutionality to vote against same sex marriage laws for Tasmania.”
“The South Australian state Liberals, who had previously voted against marriage equality, have said that they would grant members a conscience vote on this issue if the New South Wales inquiry found that state-based same sex marriage laws were constitutional.”
“Given the outcome from this inquiry, Tasmanian Liberal Leader Will Hodgman should also grant his members a conscience vote next time the Tasmanian Same Sex Marriage Bill is brought on for a vote in the Upper House.”
“Of course, the best outcome would be for the Federal Parliament to take action as many other countries have done. However, given that this is unlikely any time soon, the way is clear for Tasmania to show national leadership.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader Saturday, 27 July 2013
