Marriage good for economy: AME

Australian marriage equality advocates say Victoria would reap considerable economic benefits if the state introduces same-sex marriage laws.

Australian Marriage Equality (AME) has made a submission to the Victorian Greens review that same-sex marriage laws could prove a state money-maker, likening the situation to US states which allow same-sex marriage.

AME national convenor Alex Greenwich said he believed if marriage was allowed in Victoria, the uptake would be significant.

“Many couples from around the nation and the region would marry in Victoria if they could, providing the state with a big economic bonus,” Greenwich said.

“The precedents include Massachusetts which reaped an estimated $111 million over five years from being the first US state to allow same-sex marriages, and Mexico City which has benefited to the tune of $100,000 a month since it became the first Mexican state to marry same-sex partners.”

In its submission, AME has called on the Victorian Greens to keep the state’s relationship registry if same-sex marriage laws are passed.

“Couples who don’t wish to marry should still have the option of obtaining legal peace-of-mind by formalising their relationship another way,” Greenwich said.
Victoria’s Relationship Register has been in place since 2008.

AME has called for no residency requirement in any legislation so couples from other states and territories are free to marry in Victoria.

In their submission AME says religious celebrants should be free to refuse to solemnise marriages if it runs counter to their beliefs.

Last month Greens MLC Sue Pennicuik called on the wider community to share their views on how the Greens should develop a bill to allow same-sex marriage in Victoria.

At last year’s state election, the Greens promised they would attempt to push for same-sex marriage rights in the state.

The party is taking public submissions on how the law should be framed and say they have sought the counsel of constitutional law expert George Williams who has advised that state governments do have the ability to legislate on marriage, providing there is no conflict with federal law.

The Greens, however, are likely to face an uphill battle getting parliamentary support for such a bill. They no longer hold the balance of power.

Although Premier Ted Baillieu has previously stated his opposition to same-sex marriage, before the election he said the Coalition may be allowed a conscience vote on the issue.

info: To send in a submission, email [email protected] or call (03) 9530 8399.