The Tasmanian Parliament is set to call on the Federal Government to move forward on marriage equality.
Former Labor Premier, Lara Giddings, today introduced a motion calling on federal Coalition members to be allowed a conscience vote on marriage equality, thereby removing the final hurdle to reform.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“We urge Tasmanian Liberals to support the motion so Tasmania can send a strong message to Canberra that it’s time for the Federal Coalition to have a conscience vote on marriage equality.”
“It is consistent with Liberal Party principles and conventions to have a conscience vote on marriage equality, which is why the Tasmanian Liberal Party already allows a conscience vote on the issue.”
“We urge other state parliaments to also move ahead with motions calling for a federal conscience vote.”
Following the tabling of marriage equality legislation on Norfolk Island last month, Tasmanian Premier, Will Hodgman, confirmed in State Parliament that Tasmanian Liberal MPs have an unconditional conscience vote on marriage equality. However, at the weekend the State Liberal Council passed a motion opposing marriage equality.
It is virtually impossible for marriage equality to pass until the federal Coalition is allowed a conscience vote.
Ms Gidding’s motion can be found below.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
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Marriage equality conscience vote motion from Lara Giddings MP
I give notice that tomorrow I shall move that this House:
(1) Notes that this House was the first House of Parliament in Australia to pass a motion in support of marriage equality and the first to pass legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry
(2) Notes that Premier Will Hodgman has stated that Liberal members of this House have an unconditional conscience vote on the matter of same-sex marriage
(3) Notes that the federal Liberal Party has traditionally had a conscience vote on almost all matters relating to marriage and family in the federal parliament
(4) Calls on members of the federal Liberal Party to be allowed a full, unconditional conscience vote on legislation that provides for marriage equality.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: Media Release
Date: 14 October 2014