"Kevin Rudd's obsession with opposing full equality for same-sex couples leaves us with no choice but to make marriage equality a key issue in the run up to the next federal election."
- Alex Greenwich, Australian Marriage Equality

Australia's marriage equality advocates say they will redouble their efforts to achieve full legal equality for same-sex couples following the release of a Senate report today which upholds the nation's ban on same-sex marriages.

Australian Marriage Equality spokesperson, Alex Greenwich, said he is frustrated and disappointed that the Senate inquiry into a Greens' bill allowing same-sex marriage disregarded the heartfelt views of over 11,000 Australians from a wide variety of backgrounds who wrote in support of equality.

"This inquiry has shown that marriage equality is passionately supported by many Australians from all walks of life - gay and straight, religious and non-religious, conservative and progressive", Mr Greenwich said.

"It has also put on the official record thousands of personal stories about the way marriage discrimination hurts, harms and hinders same-sex couples, their families and the nation - stories we will continue to bring to the attention of politicians and the public."

"Unfortunately, the outcome of the inquiry has also highlighted the fact that the Rudd Government puts the prejudices of some church groups before the principle of equality."

"It is illogical and inconsistent for the Rudd Government to recognise same-sex couples as de facto married partners in some areas of federal jurisdiction like superannuation and family law, but for us to be denied the right to solemnise our relationships under the Marriage Act."

"Kevin Rudd's obsession with opposing full equality for same-sex couples leaves us with no choice but to make marriage equality a key issue in the run up to the next federal election."

"We will also redouble our efforts at educating the public and gathering support from private corporations, government agencies, community organisations and within the major political parties."

Mr Greenwich welcomed a recommendation for the removal of a Government ban on gay and lesbian Australians obtaining the official documents they need to enter same-sex marriages overseas, a restriction in place since 2004.

"Lifting the ban on issuing Certificates of Non-Impediment to Marriage to same-sex partners marrying overseas will make it easier for these partners to marry, and is also a reminder that other governments offer more legal respect to gay and lesbian Australians than their own government."

For more on Saturday's events visit:  www.australianmarriageequality.com/nya.htm

The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee's inquiry into the Australian Greens' Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009 received 28,000 submissions - more than any other Senate inquiry in Australian history. 11,000 submissions were received from supporters of equality and 17,000 from opponents, mostly conservative Christians.

The inquiry recommended that:

1. The Government review (by reference to the Australian Law Reform Commission or some other appropriate mechanism) relationship recognition arrangements with the aim of developing a nationally consistent framework to provide official recognition for same-sex couples and equal rights under federal and state laws,

2. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issue Certificates of Non-Impediment to Marriage to couples of the same sex on the same basis as they are issued to couples of different sex, and

3. The (Marriage Equality Amendment) Bill not be passed.

The inquiry's rationale can be found in the conclusion of its report...

The Committee has been overwhelmed by public inquiries and submissions to the inquiry. The changes canvassed by the Bill are highly emotive and extremely controversial. Both those in favour and those against the bill have argued their case passionately and compellingly. The Committee has much sympathy with those in support of the Bill particularly the importance of supporting same-sex attracted people who have suffered discrimination over many years to prosper on an equal footing with heterosexual Australians. The Committee hopes its recommendations to review relationship recognition arrangements and implement and implement a nationally-consistent framework will promote this outcome. The committee considers the current policy in relation to Certificates of Non-Impediment to Marriage to be not appropriate in all circumstances and warrants reversal. All other things being equal, same-sex couples proposing to legally marry overseas should not face administrative hurdles imposed by Australia. While the Committee agrees the current definition of marriage in the Marriage Act is appropriate, other types of relationships play an important part in Australian society and deserve recognition. For this reason the Committee's recommendation not to change the definition of marriage should not be taken as a lack of support for same-sex couples. However, the Committee considers that the current definition is a clear and well recognised legal term that should be preserved.