The Australian Greens have welcomed today’s announcement from the NSW cross-party Marriage Equality Group, giving notice of a bill that shows their genuine tripartisan support for state based marriage reform.

 “Seeing politicians from the Greens, the Coalition and the Labor Party standing together in support of marriage equality is a very welcome sight,” the Greens’ human rights spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

The Australian Greens are urging Police Commissioner Gary Burns to allow South Australian police to wear their uniforms while marching in the Adelaide Pride Parade this Saturday.

 “South Australian police shouldn’t be forced to keep their uniforms in the closet at this year’s Adelaide Pride Parade,” Greens spokesperson for Human Rights, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

 “I will be writing to South Australia’s Police Commissioner, Gary Burns, urging him to reverse his decision.

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.

The Australian Greens send their congratulations to the Tasmanian Lower House for passing the co-sponsored Marriage Equality Bill and becoming the first Australian house of parliament to legislate for marriage equality.

"This is a historic day for Tasmania and I send my heartfelt congratulations to the Tasmanian Government for taking action on this important reform," said Greens' spokesperson for human rights Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.