[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE: Greens welcome cross party support for marriage equality

[Neyle, Ali (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

Greens welcome cross party support for marriage equality

The Australian Greens have today welcomed Senator Leyonhjelm support's for marriage equality.

"The only way we are going to get legislation for marriage equality through this parliament is if we have cross party support," Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

"That means working with those from all sides to ensure that gay and lesbian Australians are afforded the same rights as their peers.

"I have today written to Senator Leyonhelm inviting him to join the Parliamentary Working Group for Marriage Equality.

"We must put our political affiliations aside and work together to achieve marriage equality.

"I am concerned however, about the potential horse trading that has been touted by the Senator.

"The suggestion that Senator Leyonhjelm will support the reintroduction of temporary protection visas if the Coalition are granted a conscience vote on marriage equality is unprincipled on both fronts.

"The idea of linking the two is illogical. These issues are both about equality and freedom and should be approached as such.

The first bill relating to marriage equality that will be dealt with by the Senate is the Greens Recognition of Foreign Marriages Bill.

"The Greens have introduced this bill  to ensure that same sex couples can have their foreign marriages recognised on their home soil.

"This is a small step towards equality and getting a conscience vote on marriage equality."