Politicians in the Tasmanian parliament could lose their seats for not supporting state marriage equality; the Upper House elections on Saturday showed the majority of voters were not tolerant of MPs that opposed the motion.

51.40% of voters voted for candidates that were pro marriage equality, whilst 48.60% of voters elected candidate that were in opposition.

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MPs that were in areas particularly in favour of same-sex marriage copped the brunt of things, Australian Marriage Equality Convenor Rodney Croome explained:

“In the seat of Nelson, where the marriage equality campaign was strongest, sitting member, Jim Wilkinson, was punished for not supporting state marriage equality, with a swing against him of 15% and the overall majority of votes going to pro-equality candidates.”

“In the seat of Montgomery, the only candidate who declared opposition to state marriage equality, Leonie Hiscutt, also failed to win a majority of votes”.

With the votes showing the continually shifting views of the Tasmanian public, Croome explained that both Hiscutt and Wilkonson will need to represent the majority view of their electoral area, regardless of their stance.

Despite anti-gay campaigns run by Liberals in the lead up to the State Elections, growing support indicates that Upper House members will need to support the reform.

“Our focus will be on showing Upper House members the widespread support for marriage equality in their electorates, and opening their hearts and minds to the importance and urgency of allowing same-sex couples to marry”, said Croome.

Despite losing votes, politicians opposing same-sex marriage are still predicted to be elected in all three divisions, maintaining an eight to six vote against marriage equality.

Nadine Walker