… FOR TAS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL
Tasmanian marriage equality advocates remain unbowed by yesterday’s defeat of a motion to revisit the Same-Sex Marriage Bill, saying they will build a community coalition in support of reform that no politician will be able to ignore.
The motion put forward by Ruth Forrest MLC, was defeated by eight votes to six, the same margin with which the Bill was defeated last year.
Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality convener, Andrew Badcock, said,
“The couples and their families who have been waiting years to marry are left unrecognised by the Upper House.”
“This is despite the clear social, economic, and legal benefits that same-sex marriage would bring to couples, families and the community, and despite clear majority community support for the Bill.”
“In refusing even to revisit this Bill the Upper House has revealed that they see the basic needs of some Tasmanian families is less important than others.” Mr Badcock concluded.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome said,
“Some MLCs said there is not enough community support for same-sex marriage despite every reputable opinion poll showing a majority of Tasmanians support it.”
“Now we have shown Upper House members there are no constitutional barriers to the Same-Sex Marriage Bill, we will turn to building a community coalition in support of the Bill that no politician will be able to ignore or dismiss.”
“We will continue to campaign for this Bill up to and beyond the March state election.”
Last year several Upper House members opposed the Bill because of concerns about its constitutionality, concerns recently assuaged by Australia’s senior constitutional barrister, Bret Walker SC, who said the Bill is constitutionally valid.
Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality convener, Andrew Badcock, Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome
