The key to who forms the next government …

Candidates pledges to make marriage equality key to who forms next Tasmanian Government

Advocates have welcomed a pledge from independent Denison candidate, Hans Willink, to make marriage equality a key to who forms the next State Government if he is in the balance of power after the election.

Mr Willink, who describes himself fiscally conservative and socially progressive, said

“It is not anyone else’s business, including churches, to take away the freedom to marry from loving, committed couples.”

“Existing Tasmanian relationship laws already covers the legal requirements of a ‘marriage’, so all we are really arguing about is the use of a word to describe it, a word which no religious or other group has monopoly rights over.”

“If the election result is close and I hold or share the balance of power, I will prioritise the issue of marriage equality in any negotiations to form Government.”

The pledge was welcomed by Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality convener, Andrew Badcock.

“Hans Willink’s strong commitment to achieving marriage equality in Tasmania issues a challenge to other candidates to also show their support for the reform.”

“His pledge is a reminder that marriage equality is not a left / right issue and that many Tasmanians still want to see our state to lead the nation towards this important reform.”

Mr Willink said he sees no constitutional obstacle to a Tasmanian same-sex marriage bill and welcomed a High Court challenge should it occur.

“There would be huge publicity generated for the ‘little state Tasmania’, once the most redneck in the nation, now the most liberal and progressive, fighting for the rights and freedom of minorities.”

“When coupled with cultural diversification achieved through MONA and the arts, it’s a very powerful message. Supporting marriage equality, then, makes economic sense as well as natural justice.”

In 2012 and 2013 the state Upper House defeated by two votes a same-sex marriage bill co-sponsored by Premier Lara Giddings and Greens Leader, Nick McKim.

In December last year the High Court overruled an ACT law allowing same-sex couples to marry but according to experts like Prof George Williams the ACT decision may not apply to a more robust law like the one proposed in Tasmania.

The state Green and Labor Parties support marriage equality while Liberal Party MPs all voted against it.