South Australia moves on marriage
South Australia is the latest state to make a move towards legislating for same-sex marriage.
Openly gay South Australian Labor MLC Ian Hunter and Greens MLC Tammy Franks have today given notice to the South Australian Parliament that they will introduce a bill to allow same-sex marriage in the state.
The news follows similar movement in Australia’s southern states.
A Greens’ same-sex marriage bill is set to go before Tasmanian parliament, and this week, Greens candidate for Melbourne Brian Walters has pledged, if elected, he will move a private members bill to allow same-sex marriage in Victoria.
Hunter said the South Australian bill will be based on constitutional legal advice that states can legislate for same-sex marriage because federal laws specifically define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
“I acknowledge that this bill will raise interesting constitutional questions,” Hunter said.
“I look forward to debating the bill… and the community debate that will ensue.”
Franks said she believes a majority of Australians support same-sex marriage and South Australia can push the issue forward.
“Most of us cannot understand why we even have to argue the case in the 21st century,” she said.
“However, discrimination in Australia persists and we will need legislative reform to change this.
“South Australia can lead the way.”
Australian Marriage Equality national convenor Alex Greenwich said AME supports South Australia entering the the race to be the first state to allow same-sex marriage.
“With Ian Hunter strongly advocating for marriage equality… coupled with the support of the Greens, South Australia has a real chance to be the first state in the country to allow same-sex marriage,” he said.
Same sex marriage is going to happen as it has in alot of countries. Australia might take a bit of time and alot of debating but it will happen maybe not this year or the next but it is only a matter of time. The generation who are against it now will be gone and a new generation will come in and be all for it. Its ashame that the scared people running this country do not see this. I’m excited for the people who finally step up and allow this because they will be hero’s in alot of peoples eyes. And be rememebered in years to come as the people who changed many lives for the better and allowed love to be celebrated across the country in many different ways.
“South Australia does not need this marriage bill – it is a waste of time, because it is a federal responsibility under the Australian Constitution. ”
Not really- the law (& legal advice) says that states OR federal can legislate on marriage, as long as they don’t duplicate. Federals have banned same sex marriage in 2004, so the states are free to do it.
As far as removing discrimation- start at the top I say. Start with marriage, and the rest will fall like dominos. (why fight for parenting rights, when our own relationships with each other don’t exist). Aim high, aim for the top, and the rest should follow. The days of quietly begging for one tiny little “gay right” at a time are OVER!
Does anyone know how long this is likely to take if the bill is passed?
I think this is a great step forward. Its about time we came into the 21st century.
No one has the right to say who can love whom and marry each other.
I hope to see this bill passed !!
In counties that have removed the oppression of its citizens and allowed Same-Sex Marriage people talk of the power of just saying a few things and how now know one batters an eyelid.
My husband and I would like to?
My wife and I would like to?
These simple words can transform a nation. They can make any inequality look stupid and help speed up and an end to further repressive laws.
Although the world will not change in Australia if Same-Sex Marriage is again legalized, it will change public perceptions towards our community.
As much as I enjoy more talk and debate on same sex marriage , but remember South Australia needs to look at other priorities such as repealing the outdated and hateful laws that ban surrogacy and IVF access for singles and same sex couples!!!!
South Australia does not need this marriage bill – it is a waste of time, because it is a federal responsibility under the Australian Constitution.
Why has Ian Hunter got time to introduce this bill and not introduce a bill to recognise lesbian co-mothers, because South Australia is the only state not to recognise lesbian co-mothers??????? – despite the Commonwealth government recognising lesbian co-mothers under the Family Law Act 1975 (as amended by the Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws—General Law Reform) Act 2008).
South Australia also still bans and outlaws surrogacy arrangements and IVF treatment for singles and same sex couples!!!!
Why not fix this discrimination in South Australia first – then we can debate marriage equality Ian!!!!!!