[Greens-Media] True equality includes right to marry, Greens senator tells rally

[Clark, Gemma (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

Saturday 22 November 2008

True equality includes right to marry, Greens senator tells rally

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has told a rally in Melbourne today that the Greens will continue to push for changes to the law to achieve true equality for same-sex couples.

The Equal Rights Now rally, organised by the National Union of Students, featured the presentation of a petition of more than 30,000 signatories in favour of rights for same-sex couples relating to marriage, IVF and adoption, to be tabled in parliament.

“While we are hopeful that the bills currently before the parliament will be passed before the year is out, and bring us into a new age of recognition for same-sex couples, the Marriage Act will remain discriminatory,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“Both Labor and Liberal have declared that they are all for removing discrimination against same-sex couples in federal legislation, and yet not two weeks ago, the five Greens senators were alone in supporting an amendment to make the Marriage Act gender-neutral.

“True equality for same-sex couples includes having the right to marry.”

Senator Hanson-Young said that the Greens would continue to push for changes to the Marriage Act.

“When we look at the debate and discussion among the Australian public, it is evident that it is an issue that people are prepared to continue to talk about, and are looking to their parliamentarians for some leadership on.

“Several polls over the last couple of years indicate enormous support from the Australian people to allow gay marriage – it’s time for the parliament’s actions to reflect that sentiment.”

Media contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760