Rodney Croome Australian marriage equality advocates are backing a Green initiative to recognise overseas same-sex marriages in Australian law. The move comes after the New Zealand parliament voted in favour of marriage equality, with predictions hundreds of Australian same-sex couples will fly across the Tasman to marry. Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome says when Australian same-sex couples who are married in New Zealand walk back through Australian customs their vows will amount to nothing. "If federal parliament can't yet allow same-sex marriages in Australia, the least it can is recognise the solemn vows Australians have made overseas." Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has announced a Bill to remove that section of the Marriage Act which explicitly bans Australian Governments from recognising same-sex marriages. Other countries that recognise overseas same-sex marriages without performing them domestically include Slovenia, Israel and Japan. Croome is urging Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott to open their hearts to those couples who simply aspire to be equal. "New Zealand's leaders have put politics aside and united behind this reform and we call on Australia's political leaders to do the same." "In particular, we call on Tony Abbott to follow the lead of New Zealand's conservative Prime Minister, John Key, and allow a conscience vote for the Coalition."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 19th April 2013 - 11:09am