[Greens-Media] Senate to vote on Greens’ international same-sex marriage bill

[Schultz-Byard, Noah (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Monday, 17 June 2013

Senate to vote on Greens’ international same-sex marriage bill

A Greens’ bill, which would see same-sex marriages from overseas recognised here in Australia, is due to be debated and voted on in the Senate this Thursday.

“This is the last chance this parliament has to take a step towards marriage equality before the September election,” the Greens’ LGBTI spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

“Gay and lesbian Australians shouldn’t be forced to leave their marriage certificates at the customs gate and it’s time the parliament recognised that.

“Thursday’s vote is a final opportunity for MPs from all sides to openly support equality and vote with their consciences on this important legislation.

“I have been urging all MPs to join the Greens on the right side of history and I hope that together, we can pass this legislation before the election and the likely change of government.

“There are other countries that have taken the step of recognising international same-sex marriages before achieving full marriage equality, including Japan and Israel.

“Multiple online polls have shown the significant support for the bill, with thousands of people signing on to back the legislation.

“After the disappointment of not being able to vote on the Greens’ marriage equality bill in the lower house, this Senate vote stands as the last chance MPs will have to declare their positions on this popular reform before the September poll.”

Follow these links to see the online polls supporting the legislation.


-          http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/julia-gillard-and-tony-abbott-allow-australian-same-sex-couples-married-overseas-to-be-recognised-under-australian-law?utm_campaign=autopublish&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition


-          http://www.sarahhansonyoung.com/leave_your_marriage_at_the_gate
Media Contact: Noah Schultz-Byard 0427 604 760


NOAH SCHULTZ-BYARD  MEDIA ADVISER

OFFICE OF SENATOR SARAH HANSON-YOUNG
AUSTRALIAN GREENS SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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