The Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (NSW) welcomes the passing of NSW Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann’s motion (22-16) calling on the Commonwealth Parliament to legislate for marriage equality.

“Marriage equality is a matter of fairness, and we welcome the NSW Legislative Council sending a powerful message to the Commonwealth Parliament that it is time to eliminate unjust discrimination against people on the basis of whom they love”, said Justin Koonin, GLRL Co-Convenor.

Lainie Arnold, GLRL Co-Convenor, also stated, “NSW has made considerable reforms over the years advancing relationship recognition for same-sex couples, and this is another welcome endorsement.”

Same-sex couples have achieved formal equality under all areas of NSW law.

In September 2010 the NSW Parliament removed the last piece of direct legislative discrimination against same-sex couples in the state by allowing them eligibility to adopt children.

Moreover, same-sex couples in NSW have access to assisted reproductive technologies and parentage recognition in altruistic surrogacy.

Both the House of Representatives and Senate are currently inquiring on three separate bills aimed at amending the Marriage Act 1961 to permit same-sex couples to marry.

Ms Arnold added, “We hope this motion will urge more Federal MPs, particularly those in the Coalition, to come out in support of marriage equality.”

Last year the House of Assembly in Tasmania passed a similar motion calling on the Commonwealth Parliament to legislate for marriage equality.

With the Commonwealth Parliament expected to vote on the issue of marriage equality later this year, the GLRL urges MPs across the political spectrum to legislate to allow individuals to marry regardless of the sex or gender of their partner.