Same-sex marriage bills before Federal Parliament

There are now three bills before the Federal parliament regarding Same Sex marriage

One is Senator Hanson-Young's bill, now before a Senate inquiry.

The second is the Stephen Jones “official” Labor private members bill – that is, one not officially sponsored by the Government – which is likely to get preference in the House of Representatives.

The third is the bill from the Greens Adam Bandt and independent Andrew Wilkie, which is also before the House.

On 8 February 2012 the Senate referred the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2010 for inquiry and report.

This private senator's bill, introduced by Senator Hanson-Young, seeks to remove all discriminatory references from the Marriage Act 1961 to allow all people, regardless of sex, sexuality and gender identity, the opportunity to marry.

Submissions should be received by 2 April 2012. The reporting date is 25 May 2012.

You can obtain information, and receive assistance on making a submission, at:

http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/legcon_ctte/marriage_equality_2012/index.htm.

May God strengthen us to continue to defend true marriage which is the voluntary union of a man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others, for life.

Peter