Three Tasmanian politicians on different sides of the political fence have explained why they backed the marriage equality motion that passed the Tasmanian parliament with overwhelming support last week.

Same Sex Marriage 2018
Photo By Kurt Löwenstein Educational Center International Team from Germany (qe07 (9)) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Liberal Premier, Will Hodgman, Deputy Premier, Jeremy Rockliff and Greens Leader, Cassy O’Connor, who proposed the motion, all spoke to Australian Marriage Equality after the vote. Links to the full interviews are below.

Mr Hodgman said

“It’s true that the course of true love doesn’t runs smooth but I think we are gradually getting to the point where Australians are embracing the opportunity for all of us, regardless of our differences, to enjoy one thing, the wonderful institution of marriage, which I believe will be strengthened when Australia agrees to same-sex marriage.”

Mr Rockliff said,

“Given my intense love for Sandra, if someone said to me that you cannot express that in the unity of marriage by law, I would be devastated. I guess I’m walking in others’ shoes who have the same amount of love that I have for my wife as they have for their partner.”

Ms O’Connor said,

“It’s been a journey of 25 years here in Tasmania from a time when LGBTI Tasmanians were being arrested. In that time we’ve had the recognition of relationships, we’ve had civil unions legislation go through we passed marriage equality legislation in 2013 and in a way this is a continuum of that story, of an island community that has a big heart.”

The motion was passed 15 votes to 9, with almost half the Liberal Party voting in favour.

Photo By Kurt Löwenstein Educational Center International Team from Germany (qe07 (9)) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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