[Greens-Media] Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young - Greens legislation next hope for equal marriage

[Kelly, Russell (Sen B. Brown)]

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young - Greens legislation next hope for
equal marriage

Saturday 1 August 2009

Greens legislation next hope for equal marriage

The Australian Greens say their equal marriage legislation currently
before the Senate offers the next best hope for justice for same-sex
Australians.

Speaking at a rally in Melbourne today to support equal marriage rights
for all Australians, South Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young
called on Prime Minister Rudd to allow a conscience vote on the Greens'
legislation.

"The ALP has shown itself to be an active block for marriage equality
and is defending Howard-era laws which are off-side with the majority of
Australians' views."

"Discrimination has been allowed to continue at the direction of Prime
Minister Rudd. He has picked up John Howard's discriminatory laws and
protected them from change."

"At a time when the ALP congratulates itself at its Conference on
obtaining government it would do well to remember that how fairly you
govern is what matters, not how long."

Senator Hanson-Young said the Greens' Marriage Equality Amendment Bill
2009 was currently under inquiry and should be put to a conscience vote
when it came back to the Senate. 

"The Greens' proposed legislation would make it legal for same-sex
marriages to occur in Australia. The anger and disbelief being felt
around the country should now be directed at the ALP to support a
conscience vote on the Greens' bill."

Senator Hanson-Young addressed a large crowd in Federation Square in
Melbourne today, as part of a nation-wide day of action.

The Greens have been fighting for equality for same-sex couples for more
than two decades.

To find out more about the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs
Committee's Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009 go
to:
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/legcon_ctte/marriage_equality/ind
ex.htm

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