Vic Greens join marriage calls

The Victorian Greens will follow the lead of Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and put forward a motion calling for marriage equality next week.

Victorian Greens MLC Sue Pennicuik this afternoon confirmed the party would move a motion in the Victorian Legislative Council next Wednesday, November 23 calling for change.

“The Greens believe that all couples who wish to marry should be able to do so regardless of their sexual orientation,” Pennicuik said.

“The current Commonwealth Marriage Act is discriminatory and is not reflective of the views of the majority of the community.”

The motion will adopt similar words passed in both Tasmania and the ACT offering in-principle support for same-sex marriage and calling on the federal Parliament to amend the Marriage Act.

Tasmania’s Legislative Assembly voted in support of same-sex marriage on September 21, with 13 votes to nine.
The ACT voted on its motion this week, however, added that religious celebrants would not be forced to marry same-sex couples.

Pennicuik said there is growing momentum for change.

“Marriage equality already exists in a growing list of countries including Canada, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, the
Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, Mexico and many states in the United States,” she said.

“The best place for the law to change is at the federal level so that the same scheme applies across Australia.

“It’s time for Victoria to give its support and stand up for equality and an end to discrimination, she said.”

Unlike the ACT and Tasmania, however, it’s unlikely the motion will pass. The Greens hold only three seats in the Upper House which is controlled by the Coalition.

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has also stated his opposition to same-sex marriage in the past.