Advocates say endorsement of a marriage equality motion by the Tasmanian Lower House with support from Premier Will Hodgman and many of his Liberal colleagues, sends a strong message to the federal MPs to back the reform.
15 members of the 25 member House of Assembly voted for the Greens’ motion including Liberal MPs Will Hodgman, Jeremy Rockliff, Peter Gutwein, Adam Brooks, Roger Jaensch and Sarah Courtney.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“I congratulate all MPs who voted for the marriage equality motion, and pay tribute to the leadership of Will Hodgman and those Liberals who voted for the motion.”
“They have sent a strong message to their colleagues in Canberra that it’s time to support marriage equality and a strong message to the nation that Tasmania is an inclusive and tolerant society.”
“The fact the Tasmanian Liberal Party had a free vote on the motion sets an important precedent for the federal Liberal Party to have a free vote on marriage equality legislation.”
The Greens marriage equality motion was amended by the Liberals to include a statement in support of a free and respectful debate in the lead up to the plebiscite flagged by the federal government.
“I agree wholeheartedly with the Liberal Party that the marriage equality debate must be free and respectful.”