A majority of Tasmanians believe same-sex couples should be able to marry according to a poll released today.
The statewide poll by ERMS research found that 65% of Tasmanians do not oppose marriage equality with 59% saying they support it 6% unsure and only 35% against.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said the poll increases pressure on Labor and Liberal MPs to support a motion in favour of marriage equality to be tabled by Greens Leader, Nick McKim, tomorrow.
“Most Tasmanians understand that this issue isn’t about moral judgements or religious concerns but about love, commitment and family which are values all Tasmanians share and want to see affirmed”, Mr Croome said.
“Our politicians talk a lot about ‘family values’, and here’s a chance for them to show the concept embraces same-sex couples and our children rather than excluding us or being threatened by us.”
“Now it’s clear that Tasmanians say ‘yes’ to marriage equality it’s time for our state politicians to do the same.”
Alex Greenwich, National Convener of Australian Marriage Equality which commissioned the poll together with the Tasmanian Greens said,
“If the motion is successful it will send a powerful message to the federal government and to the ALP National Conference in December that it is time to move forward on this issue.”
“I hope it will also encourage other states to follow Tasmania’s lead and represent what we know is majority community support for marriage equality across the nation with similar motions.”
Mr Greenwich and Mr Croome both said they support the Greens’ motion and do not consider it “a backdown” from the Greens’ position of introducing state same-sex marriage legislation.
“Nick McKim has given assurances that he will re-introduce his state same-sex marriage laws if the Federal Government doesn’t act, Mr Croome said.
“We consider this an addition to the Greens’ attempt to enact state laws, not a substitute.”
Mr Greenwich will be in Hobart tomorrow and Wednesday to speak to Tasmanian decision-makers about marriage equality, including the positive economic impact of the reform both locally and nationally.
Details of the poll come the same day as advocates have announced supporters from around Australia will descend on Canberra on the 12th of October to meet with MPs (details below). The British Government has also recently announced they are moving forward with marriage equality, details here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668 or Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.
MARRIAGE EQUALITY GOES TO CANBERRA
Real families from all over Australia are taking their stories to Canberra to remind our politicians that all relationships should be equal.
From today, representatives of the campaign will discuss their personal stories about how marriage inequality affects them and their family, leading up to Real Families, Real Stories, Marriage Equality goes to Canberra on 12 October.
Many more ordinary Australians will continue to share their personal stories through the MyMarriageStory.com.au website.
“Marriage equality is about participation in family life, and we hope this campaign will make MPs aware that the issue doesn’t just affect couples who can’t get married, but also their friends, families and many others in the community,” Alex Greenwich, National Convener Australian Marriage Equality said.
“Weddings are about love and commitment. They are beautiful events that in between our busy lifestyles bring family and friends together to celebrate an expression of love between two people.
“But despite marriage being one of the most important moments in many people’s lives, some loving and committed couples in Australia don’t have the right to marry who they want to marry.
“As part of Real Families, Real Stories, Marriage Equality goes to Canberra, mums and dads will travel to Canberra to ask MPs why their children don’t have equal marriage rights.
“Friends will head to Canberra to ask why their friends lifelong partner is not and can not be acknowledged the same way their husband or wife is.
“Men and women from across Australia will head to Canberra to ask why they can’t legalise their loving and committed relationship with the person they want to spend the rest of their life with.
“These are real people whose lives are affected by marriage inequality, and they represent many others in their community who are just like them.
“This issue is important for people in every electorate across Australia. From today, politicians will hear about the very different ways it affects the everyday lives of so many different ordinary Australians.”
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.