Statements
Tas can still legislate same-sex marriages
Andrew Badcock Convener of Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality said “We’re disappointed that the ACT laws were struck down, but it doesn’t mean that this is a matter exclusive for the Federal Government.”
“This does not mean that reform is blocked in Tasmania.”
“The High Court overturned the ACT law because of the way it was framed, the Tasmanian bill is framed differently and could be held up as constitutionally valid.”
“I urge the Tasmanian parliament to revisit our bill so Tasmania can lead the way for marriage equality.”
The high court overturned the ACT Marriage Equality Act because it drew on the definition of marriage from the federal Marriage Act.
The Tasmanian Bill is framed differently and creates a distinct legal status of same-sex marriage which the has not found to be unconstitutional.
Andrew Badcock Convener of Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality