[Greens-Media] Same-sex marriage bill in WA reaches first milestone

[Walker, Nadine]

From: Walker, Nadine 
Sent: Tuesday, 18 February 2014 4:58 PM
To: Office of Lynn MacLaren MLC
Subject: Same-sex marriage bill in WA reaches first milestone



Same-sex marriage bill in WA reaches first milestone
Media statement, Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Same-sex marriage has cleared its first hurdle in West Australian Parliament today with the President ruling not to withdraw the Same-Sex Marriage Bill introduced by Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren late last year. 

"The ruling means that the state can properly consider adopting same-sex marriage, if successful WA will become the first Australian state to pass same-sex marriage legislation that is better built to resist a High Court challenge", explained Ms MacLaren. 

"Shortly after I introduced my bill before the summer break it was requested by an opposing member that it be withdrawn on unsubstantiated grounds. Thankfully the President saw that my bill stands separate from any invalid arguments that proposed WA state marriage law cannot coincide with the Federal Marriage Act. 
 
"I have worked with constitutional lawyer George Williams and other stakeholders on the issue to ensure that this bill has the best chance of surviving. My fantastic team have ensured this state bill does not contravene with federal legislation. 

"There is no provision that I can see in either this State's constitutional arrangements or the Commonwealth Constitution which would prevent this House from considering the bill introduced by Hon Lynn MacLaren", said Legislative Council President the Hon Barry House MLC.

"This is an exciting milestone for same-sex couples that want to feel like any other Australian family where marriage is an accessible symbol of lifelong commitment", said Ms MacLaren. 

"I look forward to debating this bill and building cross party support on the issue".