Tasmania's Upper House votes down gay marriage

Updated

Sorry, this video has expired Video: Marriage bill defeated (7pm TV News TAS)

The Tasmanian Premier and gay rights campaigners have vowed not to give up on same-sex marriage despite a historic bill being defeated in the state's Upper House.

After two days of impassioned debate, the bill was voted down on Thursday night eight votes to six after every member of the Legislative Council spoke at length on the issue.

Premier Lara Giddings said it was a disappointing result but the Government would not give up on the reform.

"We will continue this. It's not the end. It's the beginning," Ms Giddings said.

"It took many times for us to get gay law reform through.

"It took many times and attempts to get anti-discrimination law reform through."

Greens leader Nick McKim says the legislation's defeat was deeply disappointing.

"The Council's chosen fear over love, the Council's chosen division over unity, and it's chosen the 19th century over the 21st century," he said.

"And the Council tragically today has held Tasmania back."

The Opposition Leader, Will Hodgman, says the blame for the bill failing rests with the Premier.

He criticised the legislation as hasty, in breach of an election commitment and in reckless disregard of potential cost to taxpayers of a High Court Challenge.

Gay rights campaigner Rodney Croome says he is committed to campaigning for legislative change.

"I want to be able to marry the man I love in the state I love and I will make sure that happens," he said.

Amanda-Sue Markham from the group Save Marriage Coalition says while it is a good result, she feels sorry for same-sex couples.

"While I'm pleased that we retain marriage as the Federal Act, it's still mixed with sadness for those people who are very upset about the outcome."

Pressure

The final speaker before the vote, Member for Windermere Ivan Dean, had been under enormous pressure but decided to vote against the legislation.

"My basic position is that marriage is between a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life," he said.

"I do not believe on the evidence I have that a majority of Tasmanians support it.

"Evidence suggests that the majority of my electorate do not support it.

"There's no mandate for the Government to move in this direction, and the public have been misled, in my opinion."

The Member for Rumney and Liberal Party member Tony Mulder said he would support the bill despite its shortcomings.

"Marriage equality can only be achieved by amending the Commonwealth Marriage Act," he said.

Upper House independent Ruth Forrest wants the legislation considered by a select committee.

That motion will be debated next month.

FINAL VOTE

For: Rob Valentine, Kerry Finch, Ruth Forrest, Craig Farrell, Mike Gaffney, Tony Mulder.

Against: Vanessa Goodwin, Tania Rattray, Greg Hall, Adriana Taylor, Rosemary Armitage, Ivan Dean, Jim Wilkinson, Paul Harriss.

Topics: lgbt, marriage, laws, states-and-territories, tas

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