Tasmanian Parliament holds surprise debate on gay-marriage tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Tasmanian Parliament holds surprise debate on gay-marriage

Posted by Claire Connelly in Politics, Religion, Sexuality

Tasmanian parliament held a surprise debate on same-sex marriage today, putting forward a bill that would recognise overseas same-sex marriages in their deed of relationships.

Similar to a civil union, this automatic recognition of overseas gay marriage does not exist anywhere else in Australia.

If it passes through the Upper House, the bill will automatically recognise same-sex unions that have taken place  overseas without the need for couples to re-register their relationship with the Tasmanian government.

Some Liberal party hardliners refused to recognise overseas same-sex unions, claiming the debate was part of an “incremental”  left-wing agenda to re-define the Marriage Act.

Liberal MPs Rene Hiddings and Michael Ferguson tried to introduce an amendment that would ensure that the definition of marriage would remain as being between a man and a woman,  but it was struck down 21-3.

The bill passed in Tasmania’s Lower House and will now go to the Upper House for further discussion.

It is unknown when the bill will come to a vote, but some say it could be as early as next Thursday.

Wilkie calls for conscience vote

Tasmanian Independent Andrew Wilkie, yesterday called for a Parliamentary conscience vote on gay marriage, stating that he reserves the right to refuse to help either major party form a minority government.

Wilkie told The Age, ”I reserve the option of backing no party or parties … I note that in the last few months the Labor government has been neither stable, competent nor ethical, and I’m yet to be persuaded that the opposition can do any better.”

The National Convenor of Australian Marriage Equality Alex Greenwich applauded Mr Wilkie, calling him a “true independent”.

“It is uncertain if marriage equality would be achieved with a conscience vote”, said Greenwich, “but it is certain that without a conscience vote the issue will not even be properly debated.

“A conscience vote will allow the large number of Labor and Liberal MPs who support equality to better represent the majority of Australians who do too.

“If the other independents truly wish to see Parliament become more than a rubber stamp for the major parties they will also follow Mr Wilkie’s lead and start promoting a conscience vote.”

Mr Wilkie said that if he decided not to support either party he would not do anything to risk stability, nor block supply, stating he would vote on the merits of legislation which both parties would have to negotiate with him.


This is not the first time a debate on same-sex marriage has occurred in Parliament.

In 2009, a Senate committee inquiry on a marriage equality bill put forward by Greens Senator Sarah Hanson Young received more submissions than at any other Senate inquiry in history, including 11 000 submissions in support of gay marriage.

Despite this, the bill was barely debated and was summarily voted down.

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