A bill proposed by The Greens to recognize overseas same sex marriages has failed in the senate. It was defeated 28-44 against.

Among those voting in favour of the Bill were Liberal Senator Sue Boyce who crossed the floor to support the bill.

The bill was put forward by The Greens Senator Sarah Hanson Young (pictured). Speaking to Fairfax media ahead of the bills second reading Senator Hanson Young said, ”We have thousands of couples now living in Australia who’ve gone overseas and gotten married . . . and they arrive back home at Sydney International Airport and all of a sudden they have to check their marriage at the customs gate.”

Western Australian Labor Senator Louise Pratt, who voted in support of the bill, said that the current law caused “unnecessary hurt and hardship” on gay couples who marry overseas, only to find their union not recognised when they reach Australia. Senator Pratt vowed to continue fighting for marriage equality.

“As an LGBTI Australian myself and as a member of this place I am not going to stop fighting until our equal rights are achieved.”