Premium Content:

Tasmanian Greens push for marriage equality vote

Cassy O'ConnorThe Tasmanian Greens have announced that they will bring forward a motion declaring in-principle support for marriage equality in the state’s parliament.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor has negotiated with the other parties for an extended debate on the issue, a move which will allow every politician a chance to have their say.

- Advertisement -

Ms O’Connor said the premise of the motion was simple.

“That the House gives its in-principle support for equality,” Ms O’Connor said.

“It will be a conscience debate, and they’re often the best debates in the House.”

Earlier this year Liberal Premier Will Hodgman gave his support to a conscience vote on same sex-marriage in the federal Liberal Party, and it is expected he will allow his member to have a free vote in state parliament.

The motion will get support from all the Greens members in the Tasmanian parliament and Labor members will also be allowed a conscience vote.

Tasmania has been a focus area for the national debate on marriage equality.

Last week the state’s Anti-Discrimination Commissioner said the Catholic Church had a case to answer over their controversial ‘Don’t Mess with Marriage’ Booklet.

Earlier this month the story about state authorities failing to recognise a gay couple’s defacto relationship after one of them died made international headlines.

Ms O’Connor is expected to introduce the motion on Wednesday during the parliaments final week of sitting.

 

Latest

‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ cancelled after threats from broadcast regulator

The show has been pulled after the broadcaster was threatened with huge fines.

Singer D4vd helping authorities after body allegedly found in the trunk of his car

The body has been identified as belonging to a missing teenager.

Dozens of charges against Alan Jones withdrawn as he faces court

Alan Jones' case is expected to be heard in 2026.

Surrogacy bill passes the Legislative Assembly

The laws will make it easier for Western Australians to start a family.

Newsletter

Don't miss

‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ cancelled after threats from broadcast regulator

The show has been pulled after the broadcaster was threatened with huge fines.

Singer D4vd helping authorities after body allegedly found in the trunk of his car

The body has been identified as belonging to a missing teenager.

Dozens of charges against Alan Jones withdrawn as he faces court

Alan Jones' case is expected to be heard in 2026.

Surrogacy bill passes the Legislative Assembly

The laws will make it easier for Western Australians to start a family.

Basil Zempilas voices support for the surrogacy bill

The declaration from the Liberal leader was the opposite of colleague and deputy Libby Mettam.

‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ cancelled after threats from broadcast regulator

The show has been pulled after the broadcaster was threatened with huge fines.

Singer D4vd helping authorities after body allegedly found in the trunk of his car

The body has been identified as belonging to a missing teenager.

Dozens of charges against Alan Jones withdrawn as he faces court

Alan Jones' case is expected to be heard in 2026.