[Greens-Media] Greens introduce bill to recognise overseas same-sex marriages

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

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday, 16 May 2013

Greens introduce bill to recognise overseas same-sex marriages

The Greens have introduced a Bill into the Senate that would see same-sex marriages from overseas recognised in Australia in the way straight marriages are now.

"Love is love, it doesn't discriminate depending on which country you're in and neither should we," the Greens LGBTI spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

"It's time for the equality opponents in Australia to step aside and let us get on with this inevitable reform.

"Currently same-sex couples from Australia who go overseas to wed have to leave their marriages at the customs gate when they return home to Australia and that just isn't right.

"While the Greens are standing up for LGBTI Australians, Labor and Tony Abbott's Coalition are failing to show any leadership on this issue.

"The majority of Australians want to see equality in our country and this bill is one important step towards achieving a more caring and fair society.

"This Bill needs to be debated and voted on before the September election because gay and lesbian Australians have already been forced to wait too long.

"I strongly urge all members of Parliament to support this bill and help to put Australia on the right side of history."


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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