Tas Labor votes for equality again

In what is being hailed as a major win for same sex couples and their families, the Tasmanian branch of the Labor Party overwhelmingly supported a motion calling on the Labor National Conference to adopt same-sex marriage as party policy.

The conference, which took place at the Country Club Casino in Launceston on Saturday, was attended by state and federal Labor politicians from all over Tasmania and by the evening it became obvious that there was strong support for a further motion, calling for same-sex couples to be allowed to adopt.

In 2009 the Tasmanian Labor Party State Conference was the first in the nation to support same-sex marriage. It has since been joined by all state and territory branches except New South Wales, which deferred the issue to the Party’s National Conference.

In 2003 Tasmania adopted Australia’s first civil partnership scheme. In 2005 it was the first state to debate state same-sex marriage legislation proposed by the Greens. In 2010 it became the first state to recognise overseas same-sex marriages in state law.

“This is the second time Tasmanian Labor has endorsed marriage equality which highlights just how out-of-step Julia Gillard is with Labor rank and file,” said Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman, Rodney Croome.

“Labor’s support for same-sex equality in marriage and adoption law sends a clear message that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Tasmanians have an equal and valued place in family and community life.”

The Tasmanian win comes just weeks before federal politicians report back to the House of Representatives on consultations with their constituents on the issue of same-sex marriage marriage.