[Greens-Media] Lynn MacLaren - Greens Table Marriage Equality Bill

[Guthrie, Shane]

Greens Table Marriage Equality Bill
29 November 2012

Lynn MacLaren MLC, Greens (WA) spokesperson on marriage equality, today presented a state-based legislative solution for same-sex couples who wish to marry. 

"The Marriage Equality Bill 2012 provides for same-sex marriage, including the authorisation of celebrants and the registration of same-sex marriages via an amendment to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1998," said Ms MacLaren. 

"It also provides for the dissolution and annulment of same-sex marriages, and for related financial matters via amendments to the Family Court Act 1997. Basically, the same recognition and arrangements are granted as for currently recognised marriages. 

"Efforts at the federal level failed because Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard refused to get out of the way of a reform that the majority of Australians support. I want to provide the opportunity at the state level to make marriage equality a reality. 

"Importantly, the Greens have received legal advice saying that state-based marriage laws are not only lawful, but would withstand a federal challenge. 
 
"The bipartisan senate inquiry on marriage equality recommended in June this year that all political parties allow a conscience vote in relation to the issue of marriage equality for all couples in Australia.

"How many ways are there to say: It's time!" queried Ms MacLaren. 

"Since 2000, 11 countries have allowed same-sex couples to marry nationwide. Parts of Mexico and the United States have also enacted same-sex marriage laws. I think that's great that people can get married to the person they love. I want to see that potential to be extended to people here in WA. 

"It is high time that Australia joined other civilised states and nations in rejecting prejudice and embracing marriage equality.

"Someday soon I hope we will look back on this same-sex marriage debate and wonder what all the fuss was about, and wonder how such inequitable and prejudicial laws could prevent someone from marrying the person they love and how we could have allowed them to persist for so long.


The Marriage Equality Bill 2012 will be second read on Thursday, 29 November by Lynn MacLaren MLC. 


For comment: 
Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC 
Mobile 0403 721 951

For information: 
Shane Guthrie, Media Liaison Officer 
Mobile 0428 207 007


Shane Guthrie 
Electorate and Research Officer 
Office of Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC, Member for South Metropolitan Region
Legislative Council, Parliament of Western Australia
Unit 7, 142 South Terrace, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160
Tel +61 8 9430 7233   Fax +61 8 9430 7207
Shane.Guthrie at mp.wa.gov.au   www.LynnMacLaren.org.au