It's time for Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to provide marriage equality for same-sex couples, according to Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.

Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson on Sexuality and Gender Identity, says there is a growing level of public support for equal marriage and the Government should stop standing in the way of debate on this issue.

"The majority of Australians think people should be able to marry who they want,'' Senator Hanson-Young said.
"This is not a gay issue, it's a human rights issue. Although not all same-sex couples want to get married - just like not all opposite-sex couples want to get married - it should be their choice how they celebrate their love, not the Government's.''

"Kevin Rudd should allow this debate to happen and give his MPs a conscience vote so we can have an honest discussion on this important issue.''

The Senator made the comments after launching a postcard campaign calling on the Prime Minister to act. She will be taking part in a public hearing in Melbourne tomorrow for her Marriage Equality Amendment Bill, which was introduced in June yet has not been debated by Federal Parliament.

The bill would remove all discrimination from the Marriage Act on the basis of sexuality and gender identity, and to permit marriage regardless of sex, sexuality and gender identity.
"Many other Western countries, such as Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Spain, South Africa, and many states in the United States already recognise same-sex marriage,'' Senator Hanson-Young said.

"The sky hasn't fallen in there, and it won't do so here, either, if the Prime Minister shows some leadership and provide marriage equality to all Australians.''

"The public hearing for my bill has reportedly received more than 20,000 submissions, which is one of the biggest responses to any proposed legislation in Australian history.''

"The Greens will continue to champion the rights of all couples to celebrate their commitment in legally binding ceremonies and we call on the Federal Government to act now."

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