With draw from Tasmanian same-sex marriage bill debate …

WITHDRAW FROM TASMANIAN SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL DEBATE –FOOLHARDY AND WASTEFUL IF NOT
DID THE GOVERNMENT SPEND $18,000 0N THE LAW REFORM INSTITUTE REPORT?

Ruth Forrest MLC should withdraw the motion to redebate the defeated Tasmanian same-sex marriage bill now the Federal Government will take the ACT to the High court over its same-sex marriage laws, says the Save Marriage Coalition.

“Why go head to head with the Federal Government when they are committed to take on states and territories in this area? said Guy Barnett, spokesperson for the Save Marriage Coalition today.

The Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said there should be a uniform approach across Australia with respect to marriage. “It is pretty clear under our Constitution that it is the commonwealth which has responsibility for the rules regarding marriage, the Prime Minister said yesterday.

“If this debate were to proceed it would be a waste of Parliament’s time and force Tasmania into a costly constitutional High court battle with the commonwealth. It would be a shocking waste of taxpayers’ money and foolhardy at best.

It is time to withdraw the motion.”

Is it correct the Law Reform Institute report cost Tasmanian taxpayers $18,000? Why did the Government commission and fund research into a private member’s Bill that had already been defeated?
Guy Barnett Spokesperson Save Marriage Coalition