BENEFITS OF N.Z. MARRIAGE EQUALITY SHOULD INSPIRE TASSIE TO REVISIT REFORM

Tasmanian marriage equality advocates say that marriage equality in New Zealand shows Tasmania has nothing to lose and everything to gain by moving forward on the reform.

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

“New Zealanders are rightly proud of leading the way on marriage equality.”

“Marriage equality has boosted their international reputation, strengthened their society and brought economic benefits from couples travelling to New Zealand to marry.”

“Seeing the benefits of marriage equality to New Zealand should inspire Tasmania’s politicians to revisit the issue.”

Last year a bid to allow same-sex marriages failed by just two votes in the Tasmanian Upper House.

It was estimated that couples travelling to Tasmania to marry would spend at least $100 million on their weddings.

ADVOCATES CONGRATULATE COUPLES MARRIED IN NZ

Australian marriage equality advocates have congratulated an Australian same-sex couple, Paul McCarthy and Trent Kandler, who are among the first couples to marry under New Zealand’s marriage equality law which came into force this morning.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,

“We congratulate Paul and Trent on what is a personal milestone for them and an important public milestone for all same-sex couples.”

“Where Paul and Trent have led, hundreds of other Australian same-sex couples will follow in the coming months, making Australia’s failure to allow same-sex marriages increasingly untenable.”

“While I am happy for Paul and Trent and I am sad their solemn vows of lifelong commitment will count for nothing under Austrlaian law.”

“The failure of Australian law to recognise their marriage is a slight against them and against New Zealand.”

Mr Croome urged supporters of marriage equality to “vote for love” on September 7th.

“For many Australian voters marriage equality is a key election issue.”

“To inform marriage equality supporters how to vote for love we have launched a new website that allows them to see which of their candidates support marriage equality.”

To see the website go to www.vote4love.com.au

For a news report on Paul and Trent’s marriage click here.
Tasmanian United for Marriage Equality, Jackson Tegg, Rodney Croome