Rodney Croome Tasmania is on course to become the first state in Australia allowing same-sex couples to marry, after an historic vote in its lower house. The Same-Sex Marriage Bill 2012 passed with the support of Labor and Green parties. The Liberal Opposition opposed the reform. The Bill will now head to the State’s upper house. Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Crome says it’s a historic moment for the state, “as we advance a reform that will strengthen relationships and families, foster a more inclusive society, and banish Tasmania's former reputation for homophobia forever." Australian Marriage Equality national convened, Alex Greenwich says the message it sends to federal MPs is that if they can't open their hearts and work together to progress reform it will instead occur state-by-state and territory-by-territory. Meanwhile Greenwich has welcomed the passage of New Zealand’s marriage equality bill through its first reading stage, but says Australia risks falling behind comparable countries unless it legislates for marriage equality at home. He says it will lead to “soul-searching” among many Australians: “Australia should be leading our region in valuing the love and commitment same-sex couples share, but instead we find ourselves falling behind places like New Zealand.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 31st August 2012 - 11:27am