TASMANIAN GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS GROUP
Media Release
Tuesday August 9th 2016
DECISIVE TAS UPPER HOUSE SUPPORT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY LABELLED “HISTORIC”
– SENDS MESSAGE TO CANBERRA TO GET ON WITH THE JOB
– TAS LIBS SHOW THE WAY WITH FREE VOTE
– TAS PARL FIRST TO UNITE BEHIND MARRIAGE EQUALITY
The traditionally conservative Tasmanian Upper House has overwhelmingly backed a motion in support of marriage equality by a decisive margin of 8 votes to 5.
With the Liberal dominated Lower House having passed a similar motion last year, Tasmania is now the first parliament in Australia where both houses have backed the reform in principle.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome said the Legislative Council motion shows marriage equality has support across politics and the community.
“The Tasmanian Upper House’s support for the principle of marriage equality is a historic moment in the marriage equality debate.”
“No-one can accuse the Upper House of being a radical chamber and its support for marriage equality confirms the reform has strong mainstream support.”
“The motion sends a much-needed message to same-sex partners and their families that there is strong support for their equal rights and dignity.”
“It sends a message to Federal Parliament to get on with the job of passing this reform as soon as possible.”
“It sends the message that Tasmania aspires to be a truly inclusive society where everyone is treated equally.”
“As a Tasmanian I am proud our Parliament is the first to unite across chambers and parties to support marriage equality.”
An amendment about a plebiscite was defeated on the floor of the chamber.
The Tasmanian Liberal Party has a conscience vote on marriage equality and one of those supporting the marriage equality motion was Liberal Attorney-General, Vanessa Goodwin.
The Lower House motion passed last year was supported by a majority of state Liberal members.
“I urge the Federal Liberal Party to follow the lead of its Tasmanian counterpart and allow a free vote so marriage equality can pass and the nation can move on”, Mr Croome said.
“There is no need for an expensive and divisive plebiscite.”
In 2012, and again in 2013, the Tasmanian Upper House, which is composed mainly of independents, voted by a margin of one vote against legislation that would have seen Tasmania become the first state to allow same-sex couples to legally marry.
Rodney Croome (just.equal)
