Vic Greens seek marriage views

Vic Greens seek marriage views

The Victorian Greens have made their first step towards introducing a state same-sex marriage bill.

Led by GLBTI spokeswoman Sue , the Greens are calling on the wider community for their views on how the bill should be developed

The party will take public submissions on how the law should be framed and say they will follow the lead of their Tasmanian counterparts who have tabled a bill to allow for same-sex marriage.

Although the Marriage Act — which bans same-sex marriage — is a federal law, Australian constitutional law expert George Williams has advised that state governments do have the ability to legislate on marriage, providing there is no conflict with federal law.

The Victorian Greens say they are receiving constitutional legal advice to develop the state bill. They are also seeking community input in areas such as the legal status and rights granted through marriage; how the laws would apply to interstate residents; the rights of religious celebrants to choose not to conduct a same-sex marriage; and how any new laws would interact with Victoria’s current Relationship Register.

Premier Ted Baillieu has previously stated his opposition to same-sex marriage.

info: Send submissions to [email protected] at Sue Pennicuik MLC’s office or call (03) 9530 8399.

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One response to “Vic Greens seek marriage views”

  1. It is good to see a party that does not advocate against some of our rights, a party that celebrates all the majestic colours of the rainbow.

    The Greens have no problem with our sexuality. They do not advocate for discrimination in nursing homes, in jobs at schools or hospitals if they are run by religious groups and funded with our taxes, and they certainly what us to have the right to marry our love if we want to.

    Civil and political rights are a class of rights that protect individuals’ freedom from unwarranted infringement by governments and private organizations, and ensure one’s ability to participate in the civil and political life of the state without discrimination or repression.

    The Greens value our Civil Rights. There are political parties that believe we should not have our rights infringed by government or private organizations.

    Ask yourself what is the date the Labor and Liberal Party will believe in equality. What date will you be free of foul laws that are about hate and persecution? 10 years, maybe 20, maybe more. Maybe we should look to parties that advocate and support your Civil Rights.