[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Bartlett Out of Touch on Same Sex Marriage_N McKim MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

BARTLETT OUT OF TOUCH WITH PARTY AND COMMUNITY ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE

And Wrong to Suggest That it is a Federal Responsibility

Nick McKim MP
Greens Leader

Thursday, 27 August 2009
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today expressed disappointment that Premier David
Bartlett has again refused to support same sex marriage, despite the
Tasmanian Branch of the ALP recently passing a motion in favour.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that David Bartlett is completely wrong
to suggest that only the federal government can legislate for same sex
marriage, and demanded that he release any legal advice that he is
relying on.

"Mr Bartlett's continued opposition to same sex marriage means that he
believes gay and lesbian people should continue to be discriminated
against," Mr McKim said.

"There is no such thing as mostly equal, and until gay and lesbian
couples are given equal access to the fundamental civic institution of
marriage, our laws will continue to discriminate against them."

"Mr Bartlett is now ignoring the views of his Party as well as public
opinion."

Mr McKim again released legal advice from Professor George Williams
which confirms that the Australian constitution does not prevent states
from legislating for same sex marriage.




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