The parliament for the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has voted for gay marriage by 22 to 16.
The Private Members’ Motion introduced by Greens MP Cate Faehrmann calls on the Federal Government to enact marriage equality.
The motion was adjourned from last week because so many MLCs wanted to discuss the issue of same-sex marriage.
“This is a great day. I congratulate my NSW Upper House colleagues for their leadership. Today we are on the right side of history,” Ms Faehrmann said.
“Denying anyone the right to marry who they love is ludicrous. It’s last century and it’s time our Federal Parliament caught up. The NSW Legislative Council, Australia’s oldest House of Parliament, has shown great leadership in sending this clear message to the Commonwealth today.”
“Every single step towards full equality is to be welcomed and congratulated enthusiastically. In the end, the arguments against marriage equality are based on personal and religious beliefs that have no place in our civil marriage laws. It’s time for full equality and the NSW Upper House has made that clear.”
The vote does not change the law in NSW but it puts pressure on the federal government to legalise same-sex marriage.
