A HISTORIC motion backing same-sex marriage has been passed by the Tasmanian House of Assembly.

It is the first time an Australian parliament has voted in favor of marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples.

The Greens motion also called on the Federal Government to change the Marriage Act.

Debate on the motion was watched by local and interstate same-sex marriage activists in the public gallery and by a large national audience on the parliament’s internet broadcast.

The Labor Party backed the motion while the Liberal Party voted against it.

Greens leader Nick McKim said it was time for the Federal Government to act on the issue.

“By voting in support of marriage equality Tasmania has written itself into this country’s history books, as a national leader in advocating a compassionate and progressive society,” he said.

“It is now time for the Federal Government to act to remove legally-entrenched discrimination in our nation’s laws, and provide for marriage equality for all Australians regardless of their gender, regardless of sexuality.”

Premier Lara Giddings said the vote was a historic day for the state.

“Tasmania has come a long way since 1997 when we rectified the terrible situation of having homosexual relaitonships considered illegal in this state,” she said.

“We’ve some a long way to show that we are in fact a tolerant and compassionate community and that this is another step in removing any form of discrimination.”

Source: heraldsun.com.au