UPDATE ON NORFOLK ISLAND SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL
A bill allowing same-sex couples to marry was tabled in the Norfolk Island Assembly at about 3pm local time (1.30pm Sydney time) this afternoon by MLA, Hayden Evans.
The Bill is likely to be debated at the next sitting of the Norfolk Island Assembly starting on October 15th.
A copy of Mr Evans speech is attached.
A copy of the media release sent earlier today about the bill, with key contacts for media interviews, is below.
- Draft same-sex marriage legislation tabled in Norfolk Island parliament
- Australian same-sex couples would be able to marry in their own country
- Gay Norfolk Islander “proud and excited” at chance to wed
- Norfolk to benefit by up to $12 million per year
- NI Bill drafted to avoid problems that sank ACT law
Australia’s smallest territory is taking on one of the nation’s biggest issues with Norfolk Island set to allow same-sex couples to marry. <!–more–>
At 10.30am today Sydney time, Norfolk Island Assembly member, Hayden Evans, will table a draft Bill that will allow same-sex couples from across Australia to marry in their own country rather than travelling to foreign countries, and will boost the Island’s economy by many millions of dollars.
Mr Evans said,
“Over the years, gay and lesbian Norfolk Islanders have made a really important contribution to our community and I want to recognise this by giving them equality and dignity in return.”
“That’s why I am tabling a draft Bill to allow same-sex couples to commit to each other through marriage and have the same rights and recognition heterosexual couples have.”
“If the bill becomes law it will showcase to the world that Norfolk Island is an accepting and supportive community where everyone is valued.”
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, is on Norfolk Island to brief Assembly members and start a community consultation about the benefits of the bill.
“Norfolk island is doing what the overwhelming majority of Australians want – allowing Australian same-sex couples to marry the person they love in the country they love.”
“This Bill has been drafted to withstand the constitutional problems that sank last year’s ACT’s Marriage Equality Act and, should it pass, I urge the federal government to let it stand.”
“But if the federal government has outstanding constitutional concerns these should be aired in the High Court.”
Cam Christian, a gay Norfolk Islander living in Brisbane and a descendent of Bounty mutineer, Fletcher Christian, said he is excited and proud that he may soon be able to marry his fiance on his island home.
“I’m just so proud that Norfolk is leading the way on an issue that matters to so many people”, he said.
“When my partner, Paul, and I got engaged we planned to have a commitment ceremony on the Island, but the chance to be married in front of family and friends is just so important and affirming for us.”
Cam’s partner, Paul Gilmour, said,
“As an Australian citizen the idea of marrying my partner legally in front of our beautiful and supportive family and friends is exciting. This is a step in the right direction for not only people like ourselves but future generations”
Andre Nobbs, Chief Executive Officer for Oceania Economic Development Corporation and a former Norfolk Island Chief Minister said,
“Marriage equality is about fairness for everyone, and it will also bring a much-needed destination profile, and economic and jobs stimulus to Norfolk Island.”
“Over the previous 12 months 240 Australian same-sex couples have married in New Zealand, and if the same number marry on Norfolk the wedding spend alone will be $12 million.”
“On top of this will be expenditure by guests, and the invaluable global exposure the Island will get for doing the right thing.”
The Norfolk Island Same-Sex Bill has been drafted to avoid the pitfalls that saw the ACT’s Marriage Equality Act struck down by the High Court last year.
It creates a distinct legal status of same-sex marriage and does not impinge on the federal Marriage Act at any point.
Norfolk Island is a self-governing Australian territory of 2000 people that lies half way between Australia and New Zealand. It has its own history, language, identity and legal system. Many islanders are descended from the Bounty mutineers led by Fletcher Christian.
Mr Evan’s Bill will be debated next month. The federal government has the power to override Norfolk Island legislation in extraordinary circumstances.
A photo of Cam Christian and Paul Gilmour is attached (Cam is on the left).
A photo of Hayden Evans and Rodney Croome holding the Bill is attached (Hayden is on the left)
A fach sheet is also attached.
Media contacts currently on Norfolk Island (skype video interviews available):
Hayden Evans on +67 2351950
Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668
Andre Nobbs on +67 2350273.
For other media, including TV interviews:
Cam Christian in Brisbane on 0433 742 426 (after 3pm)
Ivan Hinton (AME deputy director) in Canberra on 0419 124 826
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: Media Release
Date: 17th September 2014