The South Australian Parliament has been unsuccessful in passing a bill that would legislate same-sex marriage in the state today.

The bill was put forward by Labor MP Susan Close and was strongly supported by State Premier, Jay Weatherill. Liberals were not allowed a conscience vote, the bill was deemed unconstitutional by Liberal Leader Steven Marshall.

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Australian Marriage Equality National Convenor, Rodney Croome, emphasised the importance of cross-party co-operation when it came to legislating marriage equality.

“I urge marriage equality supporters in all parties to put politics to one side and work more closely to build a cross-party coalition for reform”, he said.

“Cross-party co-operation has been the key to achieving marriage equality in New Zealand and the UK and it will also be the key to moving forward at a state or federal level in Australia.”

Another bill that is also in the SA Upper House is likely to pass if the Liberal allow a conscience vote, a number of Liberal MPs are on the record in support of marriage equality.

Weatherill voiced his support for same-sex marriage, stating,

“We have a responsibility to support legislation that will make our society more inclusive and tolerant. In practical terms, what evidence is there that this change will have adverse consequences for our society? I see no good reason why we should not act”.

A similar bill was introduced to the Upper House yesterday by Greens MLC Tammy Franks.

Nadine Walker