SIX STATES AND TERRITORIES POISED TO DEBATE REFORM
Marriage equality advocates have welcomed the introduction of marriage equality legislation into the West Australian Parliament by Greens’ Upper House member Lynn MacLaren, bringing to six the total number of states and territories moving forward on the issue.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome, said,
“We welcome the introduction of this legislation because it will remove discrimination, and strengthen relationships and families.”
“The Bill will also allow WA couples to have a certificate to prove their relationship rights if and when they are challenged.”
“The introduction of Ms MacLaren’s Bill means there are six states and territories with marriage equality legislation on the table – Tasmania, the ACT, South Australia, Victoria, NSW and now WA.”
“The movement for allowing same-sex marriages at a state level is gathering momentum and I have no doubt we will see same-sex couples marrying somewhere in Australia in the next few months.”
Today, Ms MacLaren introduced and spoke to the Marriage Equality Bill 2012. Further debate on the Bill is expected when the WA parliament resumes next year.
She said,
“Someday soon I hope we will look back on this same-sex marriage debate and wonder what all the fuss was about, and wonder how such inequitable and prejudicial laws could prevent someone from marrying the person they love and how we could have allowed them to persist for so long.”
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome
