Greens ramp up marriage push

Greens ramp up marriage push

The Greens have begun the push for marriage equality in the House of Representatives, with the Greens MP for Melbourne, Adam Bandt yesterday giving notice to a motion he hopes will “take the temperature” of that chamber on the issue.

The motion, which Bandt hopes to have debated in November, notes that:

“There is a the growing list of countries that allow same-sex couples to marry including the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Spain, Canada and South Africa; and there is widespread support for equal marriage in the Australian community.”

The motion then calls on all parliamentarians to “gauge their constituents’ views on the issue of marriage equality.”

Bandt said the motion was intended to keep the issue alive until there is enough support to pass the Greens’ Marriage Equality Bill.

[poll id=”43″]

Bandt hopes that, as the motion does not bind the Government to an action, individual members of the parliament will be able to speak their minds.

“This motion will be an opportunity for members to express their personal view on marriage equality free from the requirement to abide with their parties’ positions on amending the Marriage Act,” said Bandt.

“We are heartened by reports from the recent meeting of the National Left that there is strong support for marriage equality inside Labor, there are likewise members of the Coalition who support our position.”

“It is time people had an opportunity to speak up and show their colours – if Labor members still believe in equality, and if Coalition members still believe in an individual’s freedom of choice, they should support this motion.”

Bandt said his party would continue to push for a conscience vote on the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2010 alongside the community.

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34 responses to “Greens ramp up marriage push”

  1. There are a great range of views being expressed on this thread regarding same-sex marriage. I’d welcome hearing from you to add to some research I am doing on this issue.

    ABC program Compass is researching a program about same-sex marriage, in anticipation of the parliamentary debate over amendments to the Marriage Act. If you are interested in contributing email Kim Akhurst [email protected] or phone 02 8333 4050.

  2. I thought the issue was marriage, not me. You’re making it personal which, once again, says a lot.

    The contradiction is spending decades getting laws off your personal life only to now finding yourself asking to included under a law. An outdated, problem fraught law at that (see link in my first post). Furthermore, it was only in 2004 that John Howard amended the Marriage Act to make it exclusively male and female. Theoretically same-sex couples could have married prior to that but did any one throw the gauntlet down and test the law? If not, why not? Overstating the case now as you are Dave, seems quite ineffectual.

    And another thing, when Centrelink’s rules were amended to recognise same-sex couples a lot of people found themselves on greatly reduced benefits. So the elderly and disabled (something you don’t choose), already at the bottom of the financial heap, were worse off because of their newly attained equality. These cosy ideals do have practical implications, not always for the better. Think about it rather than making knee-jerk demands for equality and free choice.

  3. dave-

    have you ever noted that tasmania is the most red necked bankrupt and backward state in our commonwealth- the figures prove this

    what is also interesting that tasmania with all it’s red neck quasi neanderthals- it is also very “left wing”

    tassie is a blight on our nation dragging down the economy and has been since the first day of european settlement

    to use tassie as an example of a beacon is very much misguided- check out the ABS stats for tassie -habart is expected to halve it’s population in over the next decade- now that’s progress isn’t it dave?

  4. Well Baz seeking to deny people rights simply because they are gay or lesbian or transgender or transsexual says a lot about you wanting to discriminate. I am not sure why you think it is ok to deny people like yourself rights. You have sought not to be discriminated against due to your sexuality in the past, but here you are proposing that because it is marriage, and you do not believe it is for you, then it is ok to discriminate against those that want it if they have the same sexuality as yourself.

    Marriage is a crucial point of reference to many people. The polls politicians use even show it. To deny simply due to the sexuality of an a couple is out right blatant discrimination.

    To me your contradiction makes no sense at all. It is a contradiction. How can one expect to receive respect when one does not give it? What is the line drawn in the sand as far as equality goes in such a moral code? It is a contradiction wanting equality, but not being prepared to give it.

  5. But Dave, you still presume that marriage is a crucial point of reference. I don’t care what choices people make in their personal lives (with or without the government’s approval) but I will point out a hollow presumption when I see it. And I’ve never said anything like “my world will come crashing down”. The fact that you’re putting words in my mouth says a lot.

  6. Gave-

    I am sorry I am not with you on this. If I look at Tasmania that has a coalition government made up of the Greens and labor then I see really good policy and many good decisions.

    So I guess “The Greater Good” I see is not allowing a terrorist or child killer to have more rights then me. Placing them above me is not what I think is good government or good for Australia.

    The Labor and Liberal and National Party agree. They could offer an end to discrimination if they felt there was a great threat to the economy. They clearly do not feel like you do about the Greens.

    If these political parties were so concerned about the Greens they would move Heaven and Earth to give us full equality. They would take all oxygen away from the Greens but they choose not to. In fact Tony Abbott and Gillard want the Greens as they do everything to support them getting more votes.

    You will have to seek answers from Gillard and Abbott as to why they are not doing this if you truly feel the Greens are a great threat.

  7. Baz-

    I am not sure that our sexuality means that we do not aspire to similar hopes and dreams. Apart from being attracted to someone of the same sex that is where the differences for me end. I am not giving my vote to say we should set some sort of example that others should not who do not have the same sexuality. Where does that stop? Is race next or skin colour? Apart from our sexuality how are we different? Why should I be expected not to marry if I want to simply because I am gay? For those of us who want equality, Same-Sex Marriage is a huge discrimination. A preclusion from an institution in society that people like myself value greatly. You might not want it, and that is fine. But I simply want that choice. I do not have to be a lesbian to understand that some want that right also. I do have empathy. I do not have to be an old man to see the need for discrimination in Nursing homes to be ended, again I have empathy. I can understand that schools need good anti-homophobic programs without being a school boy again.

    Same-Sex Marriage by definition is about equality. Having a choice that does not preclude you simply due to your sexuality is equality.

    Now I can see that some people had the legalization of homosexuality as a great battle ground in their lifetime. They might well think what is the big deal, things are pretty good. But we know some people who were gay did not agree with the decriminalization of homosexuality. I am not sure how legalizing Same-Sex Marriage will bring your world crushing down on you and you think you have to marry. But it means a lot to people like me simply have a choice in the way you wanted a choice not to be treated as a criminal simply for being gay. There was a time you expected others to see your point of view and think of being able to carry out a homosexual act between two consenting adults as a human right. Some like Gav wanted things to stay the same. They did want change, a true conservative.

    Yes some people do not chose to marry, and we can have all sorts of discussion about what is a good relationship, but some have that right and some do not marry and some for no other reason then their sexuality cannot make that choice. Now you can call a relationship with the person you like many things, but to me I just want to marry the person I love. I am not sure why you would feel the need to deny me this. What have gay people ever done to you that would make you feel that we should follow the relationship you want? I just want the right and choice to follow the relationship I want. My partners family and my family also feel precluded from that right.

    Equality is not just about doing everything that makes you feel right, it also about giving others a choice, giving others rights who might make decision you would not follow such as getting married. Making sure people are precluded from choices simply due to their sexuality is discrimination. I do not care to discriminate people simply due to there sexuality.

  8. Talking as if marriage is an ideal doesn’t make it so Dave. I remember when homosexuality was decriminalised around Australia from the late 70s to early 80s. I didn’t oppose that but it sure didn’t automatically end discrimination, bashings and suicide as was thought. Half my lifetime later virtually all discrimination has been removed from Australian law but we all know bashings and suicides are still unacceptably common. If marriage is the only law that’s left behind it’s probably because it’s the least relevant. Even some heterosexuals are objective enough to see that as per the link I provided in my previous post. It’s not the history of marriage that’s important, it’s the future. Why can’t gay men and lesbians set an example in their relationships rather than tag along with the conventional? Mimicry is not equality.

  9. dave- for an articulate and well spoken individual such as yourself who has obviously done the research, can I ask you this-

    Would Greens economic policy bankrupt Australia?

    In the bigger picture, would Greens policy provide you with more or less freedom?

    do you think the Greens are hijacking issues such as gay marriage to polarize a section of the community who will back them knowing that this polarized section will look past their bigger picture of their marxism?

    the greens socialist lunatics who would have us bankrupt in months

  10. Gav-

    You are advocating that a Terrorist who blows up a train in Sydney killing hundreds should be able to get married, but someone who is from the GLBTQI Community should not for no other reason than their sexuality and of course “The Greater Good”. The Liberal National Coalition moved aside terrorist legislation to introduce laws stopping Same-Sex Marriage. How is this “The Greater Good”? http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/archives/LatelineMonthIndex2004_May2004.htm

    If we are to talk of LUNATIC POLICY then the Liberal and National Party beat anyone. Even Pauline Hanson has more ability. Now tell me what is the greater threat to society, some fundamentalist with a bomb on a train or Same-Sex couples getting married? Do we really have to think about it? You clearly prefer to travel on the train with the terrorist who detonates. That is your choice. Good luck with that. I hope it works out for you.

    I think I prefer to travel on the train with Same-Sex couples. Even George Pell and the Holy Father himself would find themselves “Gay Friendly” and prefer a train with a Same-Sex couple married then a terrorist who explodes.

    Sorry for thinking of the community when it comes to LUNATIC POLICY. The only real lunatics think they are Jesus. John Howard and his Lazarus Rising is a classic demonstration of a fundamentalist who believed he was Jesus Bloody Christ. Locking up doctors with no charge or evidence simply due to who they are related to does what for our doctor shortage? You see I do know something of this as my partner is a Director of Medical Services. Having a doctor shortage leads to what? Let us think… http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/mohammed-haneef-sues-ex-immigration-minister-kevin-andrews-for-defamation/story-e6frfku9-1225886810773

    What sort of LUNATIC POLICY sends Australian soldiers to their death knowing a war was a lie but not seek to have a debate on it? Is the death of hundreds of thousands of children in Iraq the “Greater Good”? I prefer common sense above those saying they are like Jesus or Peter Costello clapping away to Hillsong. When he “Spoke in tongues” I thought it was a good impersonation of the movie Exorcist.
    http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/07/05/1120329450900.html

    Would training an Afghan Warlord militia in Australia on better ways to kill and torture be “The Greater Good”? Someone with a history of brutality and crimes against humanity does of course have is marriage recognised in Australia. He is has more rights than I do simply due to his sexuality. http://www.theage.com.au/national/row-over-afghan-militia-role-20101101-17aes.html

    Is the high rate of suicide amongst people from our community maintaining the Status Quo? That is true conservatism, not changing structures, just reinforcing them. That is the motto of the Liberal and National Party. Entrench discrimination. That is what you are seeking. Oppress people simply due to their sexuality. Give them the message you are not as valued as others in society simply due to your sexuality. https://starobserver.com.au/news/2009/09/01/glbt-suicide-goes-mainstream/15691

    The “Great Good” is not voting for political parties with LUNATIC POLICIES like you suggested. The “Greater Good” is ending the oppression of people who identify with the GLBTQI Community. The “Greater Good” is not denying people the right to marry if they want to. They “Greater Good” is not using tax payers money to give religious businesses that run Government services the right to discriminate against me simply due to my sexuality . Ah, if only Labor, or the Liberal and National Party actually had a notion of what the “Greater Good” is then perhaps they could have my vote. But until that day comes I will not vote for LUNATIC POLICIES so I cannot vote for them.

  11. Baz-

    I am not sure how your world will end if I marry my partner. Who the hell is making you marry anyone? Who? Who said you had to? Why are you so worried about people having a choice to marry there love if they want to?

    I want freedom for me to Marry my love. I want that freedom. I am not telling you to get married. Why should I? Who is proposing a law that forces you to marry someone? Tell me who is forcing you to marry? Know one. But you want me not have a choice. I do not believe in such discrimination against people just because they are gay, lesbian, trans-gender, or transsexual. I do not want people denied freedoms simply due to there sexuality. I am not going to oppress people.

    That is ridiculous! I want the right marry my love. I do not consider it a heterosexual institution. Same-Sex Marriage has existed throughout history. Yes some people do not want to marry, they have that right not to, unless of course if your not heterosexual, then you cannot full stop. Well I want that right and I will give support to political parties that give me that freedom to have a choice.

    I will not support political parties that seek to make laws to exclude me from marrying my partner. I will not give support to political parties that allow exemptions in the Equal Opportunity Act to discriminate against me simply due to my sexuality. I do not support the Labor Party that uses my taxes to discriminate against me through Tax Payer funded services such as nursing homes and hospitals and adoption etc.

    Some people who were gay did not want the act of homosexuality legalized. Some did not want us to be open if we so wanted to. The reality is there has always been some in the community apposed to our freedom. Thankfully the majority of us support the right to self determination. Now I am not sure how delivering laws that give me the freedom to marry will bring your world down. You do not have to get married. Good luck with that but I clearly want that right.

    People who are in the GLBTQI Community should not be denied rights. You will always have the right not marry. How does giving people in the GLBTQI Community take rights away from you? How does ending discrimination make your world cave in?

  12. “Gillard and Rabbit need to get out of our relationships.”

    I agrees Dave, I don’t want any laws over my personal life. That means NO marriage. You’re more than a bit contradictory to tell the government to ‘get out’ when it’s them that make the law.

    Read this link: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/lifematters/should-marriages-have-an-expiry-date-20101025-16zpb.html

    Gays only get a passing mention but that is the debate we should be having about marriage. To say same sex couples should walk down the same path (aisle!) as heterosexuals is ridiculous and personally I find it insulting. Since when did heterosexual institutions become something to aspire to? Equality? No, I prefer freedom. Keep government, churches and laws out of our personal life.

  13. Dave- your argument is incorrect- just like the now defunct democrats of the 90’s – a left wing party only thrives when a Labor government is in power- such as is the case now.

    The Greens will have our country turn into another Argentina if the had the chance-

    Argentina went from an economic powerhouse to bankrupt poverty and hyper inflation, because of their democratically elected socialist egalitarian government

    what i am saying is that just because you like a policy or two of theirs- the greater good is that they never have influence in Australian politics because they are Marxists lunatics

    take note- If the greens economic policies ever see the light of day- it is goodbye to our standard of living and national bankruptcy.

    i can’t believe people are so ignorant to their extremist economic lunatic policies

    The GREENS ARE MARXIST/ SOCIALIST LUNATICS

    do not be fooled

  14. Gav- There is some brilliant policy comming out of Tasmania where the Greens have a coalition Government. Federally they are keeping the bastards honest. They are also raising the profile of Marriage.

    The right to marry my partner is paramount to me. It is this that many politicians in the Liberal and Labor Party do not get. If the Greens were such a threat to Australia the government could allow Same-Sex Marriage and take the Environment a bit more seriously at anytime. They simply choose not to. So they are giving votes to the Greens. Both sides of politics are handing votes over without a fight.

  15. gillard is possibly opposed to gay marriage for 2 reasons:

    1. When the religious leaders speak up in earnest, the polls will turn dramatically as it is a latent issue rather than a passionate issue for 99% of the population.

    2. Labor need a point of difference to say they are not the greens since uncle Bob has so much influence on labor policy now

    HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE GREENS ARE SOCIALISTS/MARXIST AND WILL RUIN OUR COUNTRY- it’s no good having marriage if you are bankrupt

  16. If there’s one issue above all that shows what an absolute political fraud Gillard is, it’s her pointless opposition to gay marriage. There is no reason AT ALL for this self-confessed atheist who lives in sin to deny same-sex couples the right to marry. And every time I hear her say “no” to gay marriage, it makes me more determined to vote for the Greens than ever. Serves Labor right for being so gutless.

  17. dave- if you cared to read my post you will note that what i am saying is that whilst the greens may push an agenda that appeals to some- their big picture is very very damaging for Australia

    the greens are quasi marixsts/ socialist- look at their big picture rather than honing in on one policy that you like. same sex marriage is of no benefit if we are all bankrupt living in a socialist society

    Don’t take my word for it- look at the greens policies on their website, look at their agreement with labor- the greens are lunatics that appeal to small minded idiots who focus on small picture policies and not the big picture.

    as much as you want marriage, the greater good is that the greens have no political influence in australia

    WHAT HAVE THE IMPOTENT GREENS EVER DONE IN POLITICS ????

  18. Gav stop telling lies about people who are the GLBTQI Community.

    Yes some Gay people have done terrible things other Gay people to keep them oppressed and deny human rights. We can point to many characters in history. They have not valued the beliefs of others or feelings. They have not wanted them to have choice over there own destiny. In a the same way you are doing this to me now. Right now.

    Most of the community wants Same-Sex Marriage. Show me a Poll that the pollies use that shows they do not. No? Because there are none. Perhaps you can find something at the Christian Lobby?

    You are proposing no Same-Sex Marriage. If you do not want to get married then don’t. But don’t tell me I do not want it when bloody do. Do not lie to others and say I do not want to marry my partner of 9 years. Get over yourself a bit princess.

    Most of the community wants to have the human right of Same-Sex Marriage. It is only this that offers the highest recognition of our relationship. I love my partner is it is fundamental to me that I want to marry him. Your are here on this forum trying to deny us basic human rights. Have a look at yourself. Do not be surprised at the hostility.

    You are proposing no alternative other then discrimination. You actually want stop me having a choice. You want to keep me from marrying my partner. How bloody dare you!!

    It cost the government not a cent to allow Same-Sex Marriage but means to such to so many. The cost of keeping discrimination cost Australia dearly. We should not be second class. Our love is not less. Our relationships are as worth as much as the next.

    Our right to marry our partner should be our choice. It is ours to make. Governments have no place deciding this. Gillard and Rabbit need to get out of our relationships. They have butted in. Well they there discrimination is clearly not welcomed by many.

    I want a Political Party that celebrates all the majestic colours of the Rainbow and is not colour blind. The Greens and Deomocrats, so far, are the only party that does not have any issue with our sexuality.

    When Labor can celebrate diversity, and all of the GLBTQI Community, and have laws that allow us to be free of discrimination, then I will support them. But for now the Greens are the only party in power that has pride in us as we are.

    We all have the right to be free of oppression and hostility that is discrimination. We have rights that our governments not fund those that seek to harm us, or maim us. Our existence should be celebrated. We are wonderful and unique. Let us be bold and brave and vote only for political parties that celebrate the magnificent colours of the rainbow. You deserve to be free. We all deserve a government that celebrates us.

  19. the greens are trying to get our vote on an issue that not all in our community agree with –

    are you trying to convert me to your way of thinking? -OH the foul stench of HYPOCRACY

    -the greens want our vote to further their lunatic ideologies that will (if ever implemented) bankrupt our nation- do not be fooled into thinking the greens have any concern apart from their brand of marxist stupidity- do not be fooled by their side policies, they will ruin our country

    PS, dave- no i am not stupid, are you?

  20. I think gav should join the labor party….no wait he probably already is a member, given his neanderthal views of the world LOL

  21. Gav the Marxist writer. Telling everyone what they want is crap does not help your cause.

    Are you as stupid as you write? Here you are on a GLBTQI Forum and think we will somehow convert for you? You sound like Porn Queen Fred Niles with all the hypocrisy. Only you have a right to do what you want.

    Given the same polls that pollies use show the vast majority of Australians Support Same-Sex Marriage would you rather have people who do not support your twisted ravings be sent to Siberia?

    You are in fact the Marxist. Same-Sex Marriage predates Christ.

    Scientist can replicate Lesbian mice and clone Gay Fruit flies, but they cannot cure you of stupidity.

  22. seriously? the Greens get a for the !st time a House of Reps Mp and the senate balance of power and the first two things they do is call for euthanasia and gay marriage???????????

    stick to enviro issues- keep your marxist crap elsewhere

  23. I agree with all of the above. Its clearly a basic human right to be able to marry the person that you love. In denying that basic human right I believe that Gillard should have her fat ass hauled to the International Court of Human Rights and charged!!

  24. David you are probably right.

    You know it’s amazing that our current flock of political leaders can be bystanders to cluster bombs devastating Iraq’ children, killing more then a hundred thousand, but if a loving couple wants to get hitched they demand that there be some disagreement through a Conscience Vote.

    Gillard, Rabbit, and Barny the Banana all flip flop all over the place throffing at the mouth deranged at thought we might dare to seek discrimination ended. How dare we seek equality! The catch cry to this foul mob is the Greens should get back to worrying about trees and not people.

    I guess this is the current mongrel lot we have to deal with. History will show they were no different to politicians who voted to keep discrimination against people of a different skin colour, or those that thought the only good thing a woman can offer is her virginity.

    More people attend Mardi Gras then the infamous Mary McKillop Circus of Magic Miracles and that is just on a bad year. Yet Gillard, Rabbit, and Barny the Banana somehow think the public prefers magic to reality. The real Miracle is anyone believes in that lot of mongrel politicians.

  25. I agree with Dave’s sentiments but I also think that this tactic at least keeps same-sex marriage on the national policy agenda. The main issue for me is that it is not forgotten about and keeps getting raised until it becomes legislation.

  26. A conscience vote?

    Since when does the Liberal or Labor Party or National Party have a Conscience?

    Our Prime Ministers says “Where moving forward to move because where moving forward moving forward.”. Do we trust a person who is all over the place?

    Do we really trust Senator I go to Church in Adelaide weekly and believe the Bible does not allow for Same-Sex Marriage Wong?

    What do you think Bob Katter there are no gays in my electorate will vote for?

    Do we trust Bob Brown I will not block supply but I want Same-Sex Marriage so vote for the Greens?

    A Conscience is something our unique brand of politicians are not known for. Why does a human right have to be a Conscience vote?

    These are the people who put soldiers to death in Iraq, and killed a million civilians in recent conflicts with no Conscience vote.

  27. A “conscience” is what clearly has been lacking in the ALP policy platform. Marriage equality is a matter of human rights and it will not be satisfactorily dealt with in the minds of the majority of the electorate until every Australian has equal access to one of our most important civil institutions with equal rights, responsibilities and privileges.

    No Australian deserves to be treated as second class.

    Let’s not let Australia become the last nation in Western world to equalise marriage. We are better than that.

    Thank you to the Greens for persisting with this most important legislation.

  28. The ALP need look no further than Same Sex Marriage for a policy area that might return a sense of conscience to their entire political agenda, or one which might see poll support return from voter confidence in the Greens.

    Yet labour minister after labour minister still tow the party line on the issue. A conscience vote will be fantastic. Hopefully even Penny will change her tune and end the surreal period of Labor’s support for Howard’s cranky approach in 2004, despite 70% of community support for same sex marriage. Whoever thought John Howard could influence the opinions of a strong-willed Lesbian? Hopefully his influence hasn’t affected her conscience. Sorry Penny, but we won’t forget until you smarten-up and represent your tribe.

    Mind you, all Penny (or any of them) needed to do was say “if there were to be a conscience vote on Same Sex Marriage, I feel the issue would take a different direction.” But they’ve lost their way, and now Independents and Greens are able to dangle effective carrots on many issues, including this.

    More power to Adam Bandt, and thanks. I feel my vote for the Greens has validity when I read of this latest effort.