The vote in favour of same-sex marriage in Tasmania's Lower House is expected to send a powerful message to the rest of Australia that the time for change has come. The historic Greens motion, which is supported by Labor, calls on the Federal Government to change the Marriage Act. "[The] vote sends a compelling message to the Federal Government that it's time for all Australian couples to have legal equality," says Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich. "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 spokesperson Rodney Croome is calling 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." "If Tasmania can do this the other states and territories can do it too." "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."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 22nd September 2011 - 12:07pm