Hobart backs marriage equality

Hobart’s city councillors will lobby Tasmanian Upper House members for same-sex marriage after the council passed a motion to do so this week.

It’s the second Tasmanian council to endorse same-sex marriage after the Glenorchy City Council passed a motion in support last month.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman Rodney Croome said the council’s decision reflected strong support for the reform among Hobart’s citizens.

“The message to the Upper House is that Tasmanians want our state to take the lead on a reform whose time has come,” he said.

The Tasmanian Lower House passed a marriage equality bill last month and must now be debated in the Upper House, however, there are doubts about its success.

The Hobart City Council debated same-sex marriage two weeks ago but did not vote on it until last night.

Alderman John Freeman was the only councillor out of 12 to vote against the motion.