Game on for marriage fight

Marriage equality advocates have again vowed to pressure the federal Government on same-sex marriage ahead of next year’s federal election, following a meeting yesterday with Attorney-General Robert McClelland.

Australian Marriage Equality spokesman Alex Greenwich said he was not satisfied the Attorney-General provided “clear reasons” why the Government continues to oppose same-sex marriage.

“McClelland effectively told us the Government is guided on this issue not by principle or by policy, but by politics… the only way forward is for us to make more noise and add more pressure,” Greenwich said.

“He basically said, we’re still not hearing it [public support].”

Greenwich said same-sex marriage advocates will target specific electorates ahead of the federal election.

“The supporters of equality have done everything they can to convince the Government to act, but it seems the only way to grab its attention is through the ballot box,” he said.

During discussions, Greenwich also urged the Government to act on two recommendations made in the recent Senate inquiry report into same-sex marriage: that Australia adopt a common state and territory approach to same-sex relationships; and that Australia allow access to official documents required by other countries so Australian nationals can marry same-sex partner overseas.

The recommendation does not include recognising overseas same-sex marriages in Australia.

“[McClelland] certainly did not rule them out and said he will consider them and will get back to us in the coming months,” Greenwich said.