Advocates applaud Tas vote
Marriage equality advocates have expressed delight that the Tasmanian Lower House has today voted to endorse same-sex marriage.
The Assembly voted 13 in favour, nine against, for a motion calling for in-principle support for marriage equality and for the federal Government to reform the Marriage Act to allow same-sex couples to marry.
It’s the first time a state parliament has voted directly on the issue of marriage equality.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener Alex Greenwich said the result sends a powerful message to the rest of the country.
“Today’s vote sends a compelling message to the federal Government that it’s time for all Australian couples to have legal equality,” Greenwich said.
“It also sends a message of hope to same-sex couples and their families that equality is coming and it is unstoppable.”
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman Rodney Croome called on other state parliaments to follow Tasmania’s lead.
“If every state and territory parliament were to do what we have seen in Tasmania today it would be impossible for the federal parliament to continue to resist change,” Croome said.
“Some people think it’s remarkable that the last state to decriminalise homosexuality is now the state leading on full equality for same-sex couples but it makes perfect sense to me because Tasmanians remember the damage done by discrimination and prejudice and want to see everyone treated equally.”
Equal Love Victoria convenor Ali Hogg said she was “thrilled” with the result.
“This is a historic day for marriage equality,” Hogg said.
“The Tasmanian motion is a great start if we want to see full marriage equality in Australia.
“It is vital that we keep up the pressure on the ALP so hopefully their members follow suit with their Tasmanian colleagues and support marriage equality at their National Conference in December”
Tasmanian Greens Leader Nick McKim and Tasmanian Labor Premier Lara Giddings led the way to speak in favour of marriage equality.
“We’ve come a long way since 1997 [when Tasmania decriminalised homosexuality], we now have the opportunity to go further and lead the nation,” Giddings said.
“Personal moral disapproval is not reason enough to allow discrimination to continue.”
McKim – who moved the motion – threatened if the federal Government does not act on marriage equality by early next year, the Greens will move to enact state legislation to allow same-sex marriage in Tasmania.
“Love doesn’t discriminate … but the law still does discriminate and unfortunately that prevents some people from marrying the person they love purely on the basis of sexuality and gender,” McKim said.
Opposition Leader Will Hodgman said the Liberal Party would not support the Greens motion claiming it was “inconsequential” and any changes to the Marriage Act were the responsibility of federal Parliament.
Opposition Leader Will Hodgman said the Liberal Party would not support the Greens motion claiming it was “inconsequential” and any changes to the Marriage Act were the responsibility of federal Parliament.
Rodney Croome has been one of the most tireless supporters of all human rights that this country has ever seen, and of GLBTI rights in particular. His continued support of the GLBTI community and its members has paved the way for many of the rights that we have finally been granted in law, and he truly and completely must qualify as the best candidate for knighthood this country has ever produced.
His aid in standing up for transgender rights proved invaluable to my sister during the 1990s, and doubtless saved her life on more than one occasion.
As a gay person, I find myself constantly having to fight against an endless run of discrimination and harassment, most of which is sourced from Christians of all shades, but none more vehemently than from Catholics and Pentecostals. I wish that these people would grow up and come to the realisation that humanity trumps bigotry hands down, but this doesn’t appear likely any time soon.
Oliver, if you are tired of being ostracised by the gay community for being a Catholic Liberal voter, then perhaps you should review your political and religious stances. After all, what’s more important; human equality or a balanced ledger?
Hard to believe this is the same Tasmania that not so long ago still had us in the Crimes Act.
One day I hope they will confer a knighthood on Rodney Croome.
If there is one thing I have learned after 59 years on Planet Earth it is this:
Never, never, ever, give up.
AMEN Brenton & Brian
Do not worry Oliver, your world will not collapse if Civil Rights are given to all, you will still be free to hate even when people are given the protection of the Federal Equal Opportunity Act.
You at least have a choice to hate, people of course do not have a choice over their sexuality.
Oliver advocating against the rights of people based on their sexuality, is disgusting. You supported Robert Clarke stipping away protections in the Equal Opportunity Act in your past post, you are against GLBTI people being treated equally under the law, and seek to make birth a punishment Over 40% of Liberal Voters support equality also, but that seems to exclude you. When you advocate against others, do not be suprised if they tell you off from time to time.
Brenton, how is a liberal voter a traitor? not all liberal voters are conservative either! When you vote, you have to keep in mind the effective running of the country and good administration which currently leaves a lot to be desired. I am Gay and have been voting liberal all my life! In a democracy people vote who they thinks best. I am shunned by the Gay community for voting liberal and being a proud catholic. WHY?
[…] REACTION: Activists applaud Tasmanian Parliament vote […]
Discrimination of any kind is bullshit.
Any gay that votes ‘Liberal/Conservative’ is a traitor to their own kind! The stench of conservatism will never be forgotten!!!!! 13 heros/ 9 assholes!!!!!