SAME SEX MARRIAGE BILL

Introduction and First Reading

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (17:50): Obtained leave and introduced a bill for an act to provide for same-sex marriages in this state; to recognise same-sex marriages under corresponding laws; and to make related amendments to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996 and the Wills Act 1936. Read a first time.

Second Reading

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (17:51): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

I will not keep members too long in debate today with this bill. I indicate that I will be seeking leave to conclude my comments in a short time, not only given the hour but also most importantly because this is a bill for this state to legislate for same-sex marriage.

I am incredibly cognisant that this week it is expected that the New South Wales inquiry into same-sex marriage law will hand down its report. It has been an extensive process undertaken through the New South Wales parliament's human rights and family issues committee and the standing committee on social issues. It has had extensive submissions made to it from some of the finest constitutional minds in the country. I believe that this will facilitate a debate on same-sex marriage in this parliament as to whether a state can legislate for same-sex marriage to be done in a way that we have the best available information to hand.

I note that there is a bill in the other place and I indicate that this bill that I introduce today is word for word the same as that bill. What is different is that this bill will not be put to a vote this week, as I understand the other bill may. I note that I have introduced bills for marriage equality and same-sex marriage in this place previously. Indeed, the first time was in 2010 in the final week when I gave notice. In that case in 2010 I co-sponsored that bill with the Hon. Ian Hunter, prior to his elevation to the ministry.

I note that while I co-sponsored that bill with the Labor Party's Hon. Ian Hunter, at the time while he could co-sponsor the bill he could not vote for it because at that stage the Labor Party did not have a conscience vote. I am pleased to say that the Labor Party took steps forward and at their state conference shortly after the announcement of that bill, they moved to allow a conscience vote. I am aware, as I think many in the public are and certainly all in this chamber, that the Liberal Party does not at this stage have a conscience vote on the bill in the other place. By waiting for the New South Wales report, we give the Liberal Party and all members of this council the best available information to make an informed decision.

With that, I indicate that I will not be seeking to progress the debate much further, other than to take note of the words of Australians for marriage equality and certainly the well-respected and long-time advocate for marriage equality, Rodney Croome, who has issued a press release today. That press release states:

Australian Marriage Equality calls on the South Australian government not to force premature marriage equality votes and for all South Australian politicians to work together on this landmark reform.

He certainly urges against rushing any marriage equality bill. Without a Liberal Party conscience vote, we suspect that any bill will be doomed to fail. Mr Croome said that the majority of South Australians who support marriage equality want their politicians to work together to achieve what will be a landmark reform, not just for same-sex couples and their families but for the state. Having a vote on this bill before key information has been made public and before the Liberal Party and some conflicted Labor MPs have had the chance to consider this information is premature and unnecessary.

Marriage equality has been achieved in New Zealand and the UK through cross-party cooperation, and the same cross-party cooperation is required at a state and federal level in Australia. My message to the South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill is that achieving marriage equality requires him to leave politics behind and instead show real leadership by building a cross-party coalition in support of reform. With those words, I seek leave to conclude my remarks.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.

[Sitting suspended from 18:01 to 19:45]