Committee reports on gay marriage bills

18 Jun 2012, 2:46 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Gay marriage is a growing political issue in many countries. (Getty)

Gay marriage is a growing political issue in many countries. (Getty)

A cross-party parliamentary committee has not adopted a position on whether to recommend same-sex marriage, after examining to two bills in favour of changing the marriage act.

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A cross-party parliamentary committee has not adopted a position on whether to recommend same-sex marriage, after examining to two bills in favour of changing the marriage act.

The House of Representatives social policy and legal affairs committee tabled its report into two private members bills in parliament on Monday, saying its aim was to study the effectiveness of each bill.

"It was not an inquiry to determine the merits of same-sex marriage," the report conclusion says.

"It is for the parliament to determine the passage of the bill and this report aims to inform the parliament in its debate on the text and outcome of each bill."

Committee chairman Graham Perrett, a supporter of same-sex marriage, told parliament Australians have been ahead of the world in removing many forms of discrimination.

"It's undefendable and unjust that two people who love each other are unable to marry each other because of their sexual orientation," he said.

"The love between same-sex couples is no different." Parliamentarians had a "duty to lead" and remove this final vestige of discrimination.

Mr Perrett said marriage was the best way to protect every committed monogamous relationship. Australian Greens MP Adam Bandt told parliament the public was "ready for change."

The committee received a record 276,000 responses during its inquiry. He said nearly two-thirds were in support of gay marriage. "It should be done not just because it's popular but because it is right," Mr Bandt said.

Mr Perrett said Australian laws must reflect the views and values of its people today. "It is timely for me to remind everyone that God did not write the Marriage Act," he said. "It was written by lawyers and legislators in ink not stone."

The Labor MP quoted Australian rugby captain David Pocock as saying that marriage should not be used as a weapon to promote prejudice. Mr Perrett said Australians looked back in disbelief at history when indigenous Australians were not allowed to vote in their own country.

He encouraged all MPs to read the report before voting on the issue in parliament.

Mr Bandt said the change would not just affect same-sex couples who wanted to celebrate their love but the younger generations growing up. "It's significant for the young boy in the country town who is working out who he is attracted to," he said.

"Or the girl at high school who wants to take her female partner to the formal and is told she is not allowed to do it."

Opposition MPs on the committee disagreed with the inquiry's findings. Liberal backbencher Sharman Stone said she was not persuaded the definition of marriage should be changed.

"It is widely accepted that there are certain customs and practices in any society that are unique to certain relationships," she said in the report.

Liberal backbencher Ross Vasta said the coalition did not support passing the changes because it would mean breaking a commitment the opposition made to the Australian people at the last federal election.

The Australian Marriage Equality says it is glad the committee rejected the concept of civil unions.

"There's still a lot of work ahead but same sex couples know that a majority of Australians are on their side," national convener Alex Greenwich told AAP.

"Once MPs realise they have nothing to fear from this reform, we are confident more will open their hearts and minds to the importance of marriage equality."

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Your Comments

No, too risky

Pip - from Canberra, 11 months ago

Gay people deserve a respected place in our society but let's not erode our own 'ecology'. We need to acknowledge that mums and dads play unique roles in kids' upbringing. Changing the marriage act to incorporate gay and lesbians will nullify this. For example, how would you run a campaign to encourage dads to play an active role in their kids upbringing without being politically incorrect?! Read Steve Biddulph's books about bringing up boys and about manhood - and he is not a Christian!

Yes to marriage equality

Angela - from Sydney, 11 months ago

It's so great that we are finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel over this issue, but what I really don't understand is why the government is deciding this for the Australian people. This is a moral issue not a law or policy that will effect our economy or foreign alliances. They should all just stop stalling and put it the people to decide in a conscientious vote!

Equality = Good. Keep the church out of political affairs.

Gordon - from Hobart, 11 months ago

Kevin from Alice Springs, nobody here is arguing that the Christian church should have to perform same sex marriages. In fact, not once was the church mentioned in this article. It has been stated before and will not be stated again that Christians do not own the term 'marriage' and should have no part in policing who should and shouldn't be married. If you really want to follow their antiquated belief system then you were born too late, it's the 21st century and we have no place religious bias

NO TO SAME SEX MARRIAGE

Kevin - from Alice Springs, 11 months ago

Same sex "Marriage" should never be allowed in a church or any other christian building. If it does that building should be burnt to the ground, as it can not be called a christian building anymore. If these people wish to be joined that should be what it is called "Joined".

Fighting for Equality

P Thomas - from Brisbane, Queensland, 11 months ago

Brian Bower - you might want to learn the difference between 'religion' and 'legislation'. No one is playing God here - no one at all. Marriage existed as a pagan ritual *long* before it was monopolised, so anyone who thinks it is a religious tradition is gravely misinformed. No lobby group 'owns' the terms and conditions to marriage. You may dismount your high-horse now.

Not on

Brian Bower - from Mitta7gong, 11 months ago

This Labor Government got into power by wheeling and dealing with the Independents, not the vote of the people. Now they want to be God and change the laws about getting married. They say most Australians want things to change, but how many and exactly who, was questioned to get the so called 60 percent that agree to same sex marriage. All Australians should be asked about this, not just a bunch of incompetent politicians,who take it upon themselves to make it leagal. Get real, and say NO.

YES!

Tahnya LGBTI - from Wagga wagg, 11 months ago

YES! Equality is coming, but librals are biggoted homophobes! FACT! AND AS QUOTED: "It is timely for me to remind everyone that God did not write the Marriage Act! "It is timely for me to remind everyone that God did not write the Marriage Act! Change is coming, dont claim to be a loving person who does not discriminate if you hate gay marriage!

noalition

Mark - from moonta, 11 months ago

Abbott will not allow his m.ps to vote as he is a deeply religious man and considers same sex marriage a abomonation.Dont forget the liberals voted against voting rights for women several times in the 1880s I hope abbott never wins a election i do not want to live in a country where the leader believes in fiction charactors.

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