AME's
National Director Rodney Croome was recently on
Norfolk Island to discuss the draft same-sex marriage bill.
Here he discusses on local radio the positive impact to family and community.
AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Media Release
Wednesday
September 17th 2014
NORFOLK
ISLAND TAKES LEAD ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Draft same-sex marriage legislation tabled in Norfolk Island parliament
Australian same-sex couples would be able to marry in their own country
Gay Norfolk Islander “proud and excited” at chance to wed
Norfolk to benefit by up to $12 million per year
NI
Bill drafted to avoid problems that sank
ACT law
Australia’s smallest territory is taking on one of the nation’s biggest issues with Norfolk Island set to allow same-sex couples to marry.
At 10.30am today
Sydney time, Norfolk Island
Assembly member,
Hayden Evans, will table a draft Bill that will allow same-sex couples from across
Australia to marry in their own country rather than travelling to foreign countries, and will boost the
Island’s economy by many millions of dollars.
Mr Evans said,
“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.”
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, is on Norfolk Island to brief
Assembly members and start a community consultation about the benefits of the bill.
“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.”
Cam
Christian, a gay Norfolk Islander living in
Brisbane and a descendent of
Bounty mutineer,
Fletcher Christian, said he is excited and proud that he may soon be able to marry his fiance 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"
Andre Nobbs,
Chief Executive Officer for
Oceania Economic Development Corporation and a former Norfolk Island
Chief Minister said,
“
Marriage equality is about fairness for everyone, and it will also bring a much-needed destination profile, and economic and jobs stimulus to Norfolk Island.”
“Over the previous 12 months 240 Australian same-sex couples have married in
New Zealand, and if the same number marry on Norfolk the wedding spend alone will be $12 million.”
“On top of this will be expenditure by guests, and the invaluable global exposure the Island will get for doing the right thing.”
The Norfolk Island Same-Sex Bill has been drafted to avoid the pitfalls that saw the ACT’s Marriage Equality Act struck down by the High Court last year.
It creates a distinct legal status of same-sex marriage and does not impinge on the federal
Marriage Act at any
point.
Norfolk Island is a self-governing Australian territory of
2000 people that lies half way between
Australia and New Zealand. It has its own history, language, identity and legal system. Many islanders are descended from the Bounty mutineers led by Fletcher Christian.
Mr Evan’s Bill will be debated next month. The federal government has the power to override Norfolk Island legislation in extraordinary circumstances.
- published: 24 Sep 2014
- views: 253