The following media release was sent by the Tasmanian Gay & Lesbian Rights Group:
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TASMANIAN GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS GROUP
Media Release
Friday June 22nd 2012
LEADING TASMANIAN UNIONIST SUPPORTS MARRIAGE EQUALITY / QUESTIONS LABOR ENDORSEMENT FOR SENATORS WHO DON’T
ADVOCATES ASK BILYK AND POLLEY TO MEET COUPLES / FAMILIES AFFECTED BY DISCRIMINATION
The Secretary of Unions Tasmania, Kevin Harkins, has questioned why the two Tasmanian Labor Senators who continue to oppose same-sex marriage, Catrina Bilyk and Helen Polley, receive the support of the Party.
In an article in the current edition of the Unions Tasmania publication, The Workers’ Voice, Mr Harkins declares his support for marriage equality stating,
“My view that there is no such thing as heterosexual, lesbian or homosexual relationships. There are only relationships. Marriage should be based on love and respect, irrespective of gender.”
He then goes on to question why Labor endorses Senators Bilyk ad Polley when they oppose a policy of marriage equality that has been given strong support at successive Labor State Conferences.
“The Tasmanian ALP has a firm policy position which supports marriage equality, endorsed again at the 2011 ALP State Conference.”
“Why do the Senators continue to receive the support of Tasmanian ALP members when they fail to comply with the wishes of the majority of party members on this issue?”
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, welcomed Mr Harkins’ support for marriage equality and agreed that the Senators Bilyk and Polley are out of step with Labor policy.
“While the National Labor conference allowed a conscience vote on this issue, State Labor has a less equivocal position that has been endorsed at several state conferences.”
“The least Senators Bilyk and Polley could do is meet with couples and their families who are affected by marriage discrimination, which they have so far failed to do.”
The Tasmanian State Labor Government became the first in Australia to endorse the principle of marriage equality when it supported a motion calling on the federal parliament to enact the reform in September last year.
At 9am this morning a poll on Union Tasmania website showed 85% support for marriage equality and 9.5% opposition.
For the full article by Mr Harkins, go to:
http://www.unionstas.com.au/cms/index.php/the-workers-voice-blog/396-marriage-equality
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.