Marriage Bill Fails In South Australia

A same-sex marriage bill has failed in the state legislature of South Australia.

Labor backbencher Susan Close’s Same Sex Marriage Bill 2013 was defeated on the strength of voices in the Lower House and no division was called. Some MPs were missing from the chamber. However, the issue will remain on Parliament’s agenda as Greens MLC Tammy Franks introduced an identical Bill to the Upper House last night. During debate in the Lower House today, Premier Jay Weatherill told Parliament gay marriage should be legalised to ensure the institution of marriage remains relevant to contemporary society. Opposition Leader Steven Marshall confirmed his party would not allow Liberal MPs a conscience vote on the issue today because the party believed it was unconstitutional, virtually guaranteeing the Bill will not garner the numbers to proceed. Labor MPs will be allowed a conscience vote.