The Tasmanian Legislative Council has today cost the Tasmanian economy millions of dollars of additional tourism income through rejecting the Same-Sex marriage bill, Greens Tourism spokesperson Senator Peter Whish-Wilson stated earlier today.

“What the Upper House has done today is pave the way for another state, such as South Australia, which is considering similar legislation, to profit from the Council’s blinkered approach,’ Senator Whish-Wilson said.

Tasmanian Greens Senator and tourism spokesperson Peter Whish-Wilson has called on his home state to capitalise on the opportunities from becoming the first jurisdiction in the country to legalise same-sex marriage.

“It’s not just about being socially progressive, something Tasmania has a proud history on in this area, but I urge Tasmanians to look at the economic benefits as well.

“Tourism employs nearly 15 per cent of the Tasmanian workforce and is a major contributor to gross state product.

A bill for marriage equality, which is supported by the majority of Australians, was voted down in the House of Representatives today.

“Despite the overwhelming community support for marriage equality Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott continue to stand in the way of reform,” Greens human rights spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said today.

“The majority of Australians support marriage equality, but today’s ‘no’ vote in the lower house has shown that the Australian parliament is failing the Australian people.

Senator WRIGHT (South Australia) (21:39):