Premium Content:

Greens Leaders Urge Labor Not to Rush Same Sex Marriage Bill

Adam bandt and lynn maclaren

After Tanya Plibersek announced yesterday she would be introducing legislation to allow same sex marriage into federal parliament in the coming months, Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt has advised the Deputy Labor Leader not to push the legislation until a cross-party committee can do its work.

- Advertisement -

“The best way of getting a bill through Parliament is to let the cross-party committee to do its work and achieve a consensus bill that can be sponsored across the Parliament.” he wrote to Plibersek.

“I hope this isn’t just a stunt before Mardi Gras. I hope Labor wants to work on getting a consensus.

“Labor rushed its bill to a vote before the last election before work was done to get Liberal backbenchers on board. We don’t want that to happen again.

“We all need to work together if we are going to achieve equality.”

State Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren has added her support to Bandt’s cause, urging Plibersek not to rush legislation lest the bill fails to pass and disappoints hopeful LGBT Australians.

“When it comes to same-sex marriage, Federal Labor and Greens MPs must work effectively together in introducing a Bill that has the best chance of surviving.

“My state Same-Sex Marriage Bill underwent careful consultation with approval from the relevant experts. In doing so we effectively separated state same-sex marriage from the Federal Marriage Act, we will jump any hurdles that may crop up during proceedings. This was not a rushed process.

“Rushing legislation in the lead up to Mardi Gras runs the risk of a failed cross party bill that would negatively impact many hopeful LGBT Australians.

“Labor and Greens must work together at a national and state level to give same-sex marriage a fighting chance, I hope Ms Plibersek considers Mr Bandt’s request”

You can read more of MacLaren’s comments on passing same sex marriage here.

OIP Staff

Latest

Destin Conrad drops surprise alternative jazz album

The new record comes just four months after the artist's debut album was released.

Bibliophile | Michael Brissenden’s ‘Dust’ is both social commentary and a compelling mystery

'Dust' is described as a dark, gripping thriller that explores the complexities of identity and a search for truth.

Riley Dennis speaks about her experience of being vilified by Binary

A court has found Binary and leader Kirralie Smith guilty of vilification.

Health boss defends his belief that being gay is a mental illness

After concern was raised over views he outlined in a LinkedIn post, the businessman has released an apology video.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Destin Conrad drops surprise alternative jazz album

The new record comes just four months after the artist's debut album was released.

Bibliophile | Michael Brissenden’s ‘Dust’ is both social commentary and a compelling mystery

'Dust' is described as a dark, gripping thriller that explores the complexities of identity and a search for truth.

Riley Dennis speaks about her experience of being vilified by Binary

A court has found Binary and leader Kirralie Smith guilty of vilification.

Health boss defends his belief that being gay is a mental illness

After concern was raised over views he outlined in a LinkedIn post, the businessman has released an apology video.

On This Gay Day | In 2012 Charlie Jane Anders won the Hugo award

The author has published some memorable works of speculative fiction.

Destin Conrad drops surprise alternative jazz album

The new record comes just four months after the artist's debut album was released.

Bibliophile | Michael Brissenden’s ‘Dust’ is both social commentary and a compelling mystery

'Dust' is described as a dark, gripping thriller that explores the complexities of identity and a search for truth.

Riley Dennis speaks about her experience of being vilified by Binary

A court has found Binary and leader Kirralie Smith guilty of vilification.