Norfolk Island, Australia’s smallest territory (which has achieved a small level of self=governance), is introducing a marriage equality bill to its parliament today.
The bill would allow Australian same sex couples to marry in their own country. Norfolk Island Assembly member Hayden Evans, who is tabling the bill, made the following comments in a statement:
“Over the years, gay and lesbian Norfolk Islanders have made a really important contribution to our community and I want to recognise this by giving them equality and dignity in return.”
“That’s why I am tabling a draft Bill to allow same-sex couples to commit to each other through marriage and have the same rights and recognition heterosexual couples have.”
“If the bill becomes law it will showcase to the world that Norfolk Island is an accepting and supportive community where everyone is valued.”
Cam Christian, a gay Norfolk Islander now based in Brisbane, said he is excited that he may get to marry his fiancee on his island home.
“I’m just so proud that Norfolk is leading the way on an issue that matters to so many people”, he said.
“When my partner, Paul, and I got engaged we planned to have a commitment ceremony on the Island, but the chance to be married in front of family and friends is just so important and affirming for us.”
Cam’s partner, Paul Gilmour, said:
“As an Australian citizen the idea of marrying my partner legally in front of our beautiful and supportive family and friends is exciting. This is a step in the right direction for not only people like ourselves but future generations”
It has been estimated from the number of Australian couples marrying in New Zealand that if the legislation passed, it could bring around $12 million into Norfolk Island’s economy from visiting same sex couples coming to marry, as well as attracting public recognition for its stance on LGBT equality.
The Australian Greens released a statement welcoming the legislation. The party’s LGBTI spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the following:
“This tiny territory out in the Pacific is now leading the charge towards marriage equality in Australia.
“The Abbott government should not use its veto power on this legislation and should instead offer its members a conscience vote on a federal marriage equality bill.
“Thousands of LGBTI Australians will have a chance to marry on Australian soil thanks to the courageous members of the Norfolk Parliament. Let’s hope the Federal Parliament can catch up soon.”
Last year, the Australian Capital Territory’s same sex marriage bill was overturned in High Court. Supporters of Norfolk Island’s legislation are hoping to avoid this outcome by establishing a separate scheme for same sex marriages rather than drawing on the definition of marriage from the federal marriage act.
Australian Marriage Equality’s national director, Rodney Croome, who will be addressing the Norfolk Island Assembly, made the following statements expressing hope for the bill’s success:
“Norfolk island is doing what the overwhelming majority of Australians want – allowing Australian same-sex couples to marry the person they love in the country they love.”
“This Bill has been drafted to withstand the constitutional problems that sank last year’s ACT’s Marriage Equality Act and, should it pass, I urge the federal government to let it stand.”
“But if the federal government has outstanding constitutional concerns these should be aired in the High Court.”
Sophie Joske
Is gay marriage passed in brisbane ?
No Thomas, same sex marriage has not become legal anywhere in Australia. Civil Unions are available in Queensland, but the Newman government made significant changes to this legislation. The current Labor government has vowed to return the legislation to it’s original form.