South Australian Parliament Passes Same-Sex Marriage Motion Following New Zealand's Example

The same-sex marriage legislation gets a big boost from the South Australian Parliament as it supports the idea of allowing gay couples to marry.

The upper house of SA Parliament passed a motion in approval of marriage equality laws in New Zealand. Labor MP Gerry Kendelaars introduced the same-sex marriage motion. It passed immediately with just one vote along with the support of two Liberal opposition members.

The vote was made in preparation for Thursday's introduction of the same-sex marriage laws in South Australia. A conscience vote will be put to the table with Labor MP Susan Close introducing the bill to parliament with the support of government MPs.

In an earlier statement, Premier Jay Weatherill has already voiced out his approval on the marriage equality law.

Haley Schumannm the Australian Marriage Equality convener, said the bill would allow South Australia to accomplish what New Zealand has already done. The SA Parliament will be leading the way to a significant reform on marriage equality legislation should it not succeed in the federal parliament.

South Australia Green MP Tammy Franks states that passing the same-sex marriage motion in the upper house will show support from all parties amidst the political divide. Ms Franks encourages Opposition Leader Steven Marshall to allow a conscience vote for Liberal MPs before the lower house.

The New Zealand government will legally recognise a bill on same-sex marriage on August 19. The bill was passed in New Zealand parliament in April.

The reform on marriage equality laws is more than welcome for gay couples in New Zealand who want their union to be recognised and enjoy equal tax benefits provided to traditional married couples. Australia wants to follow in New Zealand's footsteps with this same-sex marriage motion led by the SA Parliament.