[Greens-Media] MEDIA ALERT - Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young - Rudd Govt facing increasing pressure to re-think opposition to equal

[Kelly, Russell (Sen B. Brown)]

Note: Senator Hanson-Young will be addressing the Melbourne rally of the
Equal
Love National Day of Action on Same-Sex Marriage, today from 1pm in
Federation Square

Saturday 1 August 2009

Rudd Govt facing increasing pressure to re-think opposition to equal
marriage

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says this weekend's nationwide rallies
in support of equal marriage rights in Australian law will place yet
more pressure on the Rudd Government to re-think its opposition to
same-sex marriage.

The Equal Love campaign's National Day of Action for Same-Sex Marriage
will hold rallies in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra,
Hobart and Perth today, Saturday 1 August, calling for same-sex
couples to be awarded equal marriage rights under Australian law.
Senator Hanson-Young will address the Melbourne rally at Federation
Square at 1pm.

"The Greens will be proudly supporting the Equal Love National Day of
Action tomorrow as the only party in the Australian Parliament that
stands for true equality for same-sex couples," said Senator
Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for Sexuality and Gender Identity.

"While last year we saw some historic steps forward in removing
discrimination against same-sex couples in federal law, there was a
glaring omission from that suite of amended legislation: the Marriage
Act.

"The Greens understand that true legislative equality means equal rights
for all couples under the Marriage Act."

Senator Hanson-Young said the Rudd Government was under increasing
pressure to re-think its opposition to same-sex marriage. A recent
Galaxy poll found 60 per cent of Australians support same-sex couples
being granted the right to marry.

"The Rudd Government needs to take its earplugs out and listen to the
message coming from public opinion polls and even members of their own
party - it is time to catch up with other forward-thinking nations and
legislate for equal marriage rights," she said.

"The Greens hope that Labor will allow a proper debate about equal
marriage to take place before its National Conference concludes
tomorrow."

Last month, Senator Hanson-Young introduced the Marriage Equality
Amendment Bill 2009 as a private member's bill to legislate for marriage
rights for same-sex couples. The Bill has been referred to committee for
inquiry and is currently receiving submissions.

"The Greens' Marriage Equality Amendment Bill stands as a piece of
legislation that is ready to bring Australia into step with other
forward-thinking nations," she said.

"I urge the Rudd Government and the Coalition Opposition to allow their
members and senators a conscience vote on this bill, to reflect the true
will of those elected representatives.

"The sky has not fallen in in those countries where equal marriage has
been legislated for, nor will it in Australia. In fact, the sun will
shine brighter in this country once true equality has been achieved."

Senator Hanson-Young will be addressing the Melbourne rally of the Equal
Love National Day of Action on Same-Sex Marriage, today from 1pm in
Federation Square

Media contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760
Stay informed: http://www.greensmps.org.au/stay-informed