Premium Content:

Gay Marriage Closer in Tasmania

While multiple bills calling for marriage equality are debated in the federal parliament, individual states continue to push forward state based legislation.

This week the lower house in Tasmania will debate the Tasmanian Marriage Equality Bill. Marriage Equality advocates have welcomed the move with Australian Marriage Equality Convener Alex Greenwich describing the legislation as a ‘high quality bill that is drafted to withstand any High Court challenge.’

- Advertisement -

Greenwich says he hopes that the Tasmanian Bill will encourage other states to consider pushing forward with what he considers to be a much needed reform.

In a statement Greenwich noted that the bill contained provisions that ensured that religious organisations would not be required to perform same sex marriages.

‘The Bill places no obligation whatsoever on ministers of religion who do not wish to marry same-sex couples, but should clergy wish to marry same-sex couples they are free to apply to be celebrants.’

While the state based legislation brought forward by Tasmanian Premier Laura Giddings is expected easily pass in the lower house where Labor is in a coalition government with The Greens. The passage of the bill though the upper house is less certain with supported needed from independents.

Liberal opposition leader Will Hodgman has announced that he will not allow Liberal MPs a conscience vote on the topic.

The Australian Christian Lobby has described the bill radical legislation that should be rejected. The groups Tasmanian Director Mark Brown said today, ‘The last thing Australia needs is conflicting marriage laws throughout the nation.’

Brown said it was absurd that Tasmania was planning legislation on what was clearly a federal issue.

Graeme Watson

Latest

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.

Film star Val Kilmer dead at 65

The actor was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.

Film star Val Kilmer dead at 65

The actor was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

British comedian Jimmy Carr to play RAC Arena

The British comedian is playing stacks of shows across Australia.

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.