NFPs Welcome Tasmanian Gay Marriage

International LGBT flag. Photo: Wiki Commons

Not for Profit gay and lesbian rights organisations have welcomed the same-sex marriage bill passed by the Tasmanian Government’s Lower House.

Co-convenor of the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) Dr Justin Koonin said if passed in its current form, the Bill will see marriage equality become a reality in the state.

“Tasmania has an historic opportunity to bring the dream of marriage equality to fruition for thousands of its citizens, and the passage of the Bill through the House of Assembly overnight is a significant step in this process,” Kooin said.

Australian Marriage Equality national convener Alex Greenwich also support the State’s move.

“The Tasmanian Lower House today became the first in Australia to pass a marriage equality law making Tasmania a beacon of hope for same-sex couples and their families across Australia,” he said.

“The message the Tasmanian Lower House sends to our Federal MPs is that if they can’t open their hearts and work together to progress reform it will instead occur state-by-state and territory-by-territory.”

The Same-Sex Marriage Bill (2012), co-sponsored by Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings and Greens leader Nick McKim, passed the House of Assembly by a vote of 13-11.

According to NSW GLRL, it will provide a legal framework by setting out the marriageable age, ceremonial requirements, rights for married couples under corresponding laws, as well as establishing the jurisdiction of the state Supreme Court to hear applications for dissolution.

The Bill will now have to pass in the State’s upper house to become legislation.

“The NSW GLRL is joining calls for the Tasmanian Legislative Council to show courage and leadership and to vote in support of this historic legislation, to end discrimination and extend equality under the law to all,” Koonin said.