[Greens-Media] Equal Love Petition Launch Fight for Marriage Equality now Moves to States

[Franks, Office]

Greens' Gender and Sexuality spokesperson, Tammy Franks MLC, today launched a petition for Marriage Equality in support of the Marriage Equality Bill currently before State Parliament.
"The petition was launched at an Emergency Marriage Equality Rally at Rundle Mall today at 4.45pm following the failure this week of the Marriage Equality bills before Federal Parliament.

"Just as over a century ago the state of South Australia showed the Commonwealth the wisdom of women's suffrage in 1894, in this coming year we can again lead the nation in progressive reform,' said Ms Franks.
"I call on all South Australians who support Marriage Equality to sign petition and show they want equality in our state, even if the federal parliament has - for the moment- failed them.
 "Whilst the Commonwealth Marriage Act can only be changed in the Federal Parliament, it's clear that the majority of Australian people support marriage equality and oppose the continued discrimination, prejudice and homophobia.
"The time is right therefore for states to now follow their hearts and consciences - to remove the institutional prejudice that has blighted the lives of many in the community, by preventing them from legitimizing their relationship status in the way that heterosexual couples are entitled to.
"South Australians have shown in poll after poll that they overwhelmingly support equal marriage. We now have the opportunity to again lead the nation.
"I am pleased to announce that my bill will now be co-sponsored by the ALP's Ian Hunter MP, which he has moved to amend based on the constitutional advice the Tasmanian Government has used to frame their bill.
"We welcome any other member of State Parliament to work with us to achieve Marriage Equality here in South Australia in 2013," Ms Franks concluded.

For further comment contact Jamnes Danenberg 0457 549 938