IN WAKE OF NSW SAME-SEX MARRIAGE REPORT TAS ADVOCATES CALL FOR UPPER HOUSE TO REVISIT BILL & FOR LIBS TO ALLOW A FREE VOTE

Marriage equality advocates have called on the Tasmanian Upper House to revisit the state Same-Sex Marriage Bill in the wake of a NSW parliamentary report that found there are no constitutional impediments to such laws.

Australian Marriage Equality spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

“Last year the main objection to the Same-Sex Marriage Bill was concern over its constitutionality, and now that concern has been removed I urge the Upper House to revisit the Bill.”

“We also call on the Liberal Party to allow a conscience vote given its chief concern was also the constitutionality of the Bill.”

“The NSW report allows Tasmania another chance to lead the nation on a reform that is good for couples, good for families and good for the state economy.”

According to the report, issued by the NSW Upper House Socal Issues Committee yesterday,

“The Committee reached the conclusion that the New South Wales Parliament has the power to legislate on the topic of marriage, including same-sex marriage.”

Spokesperson for Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality, Jackson Tegg, said,

“We will now seek meetings with Upper House and Liberal Party members to urge support for Tasmania taking the lead on this important reform.”

“We would like to see the Bill brought back sooner rather than later.”

Last year, Australia’s first same-sex marriage bill was defeated by two votes in the Tasmanian Upper House with members expressing concern the move was unconstitutional.

The Liberal Party opposed the bill on the basis that it was unconstitutional.

Upper House member, Ruth Forrest, who had carriage of the Bill last year, has a motion before the Upper House calling for the Bill to be re-introduced.

Mr Croome will be available for comment at 2.30pm today at Franklin Square.

For a copy of the report, click here:

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/0cf0942283181ebaca257bb4001e32d4/$FILE/Report%20-%2047%20-%20Same-sex%20marriage%20law%20in%20New%20South%20Wales.pdf

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome