Tassie talks marriage

Tasmanian Greens leader Nick McKim has again stated the Greens will pursue same-sex marriage laws in the Apple Isle in 2011.

In an online web forum on October 25, McKim said the party would continue with a set of three bills to introduce same-sex marriage.

“Marriage equality is not on the Attorney-General’s agenda, but it’s certainly on mine!” McKim wrote.

“I will table my Bills again, probably early next year.”

The Greens have already made two attempts to introduce same-sex marriage laws in the Tasmanian Parliament in 2005 and 2008.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman Rodney Croome said change is needed.

“Allowing same-sex couples the choice to marry is one of the key social justice issues facing Australia today,” Croome said.

“It is appropriate Tasmania takes a lead on this issue given it was the first state to allow civil unions and the first to recognise overseas civil unions and same-sex marriages.”