[Greens-Media] Marriage Equality Vote to Test Leadership Legacy

[Franks, Office]

Marriage Equality Vote to Test Leadership Legacy

Greens Gender & Sexuality spokesperson Tammy Franks has called for a conscience vote on the Greens motion in support of equal marriage issuing the challenge to Premier Rann to consider 'What would Don Dunstan do?'



"The Greens are calling on Premier Rann to support equal marriage with deeds, as well as his recent words and declare a Labor Party conscience vote for Upper House marriage equality motion as one of his final acts of office," Ms Franks said.



"I hope that parliamentarians of all persuasions will be able to exercise a conscience vote on the issue of equal marriage. At this stage it appears ALP members will be tied to the party line.



"It is a proud history we have of being the first Australian state to decriminalise homosexuality. We in fact have many firsts to boast on the path to equality and social justice. Here is a moment in history to also lead the way for equal marriage. Will Premier Rann seize that moment?



"It's unconscionable that democratic governments which have endorsed an end to discrimination maintain discrimination against same-sex people who wish to marry.



"It's time that Australia joined Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and seven US states where same-sex marriages are now allowed," Ms Franks concluded.



The Tasmanian Parliament recently became the first to successfully support a call for marriage equality at a Commonwealth level. The Greens motion in the SA Upper House is based on that Tasmanian motion and similarly calls on the Federal Parliament to amend the Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961 to provide for same sex marriage equality.

The Greens motion will be put to a vote in the Legislative Council on the 23rd November, one week before the ALP National Conference meets on December 2nd.



To arrange comment contact Jamnes Danenberg on 0457 549 938 or 8237 9410


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