The Tasmanian Lower House has this afternoon passed a motion of support for full marriage equality in Australia, with 13 voting in favour and nine against.

Premier Lara Giddings today said marriage is a choice that should be made available to all couples, including those in same-sex relationships.

The Tasmanian Labor Party today supported a Greens motion endorsing same-sex marriage reform.

“Same sex couples feel the same level of love and commitment essential for a marriage as opposite sex couples and I believe they should be allowed the freedom to marry if they choose,” Ms Giddings said.

“There are no logical reasons to deny same-sex couples the right to marry.

Ms Giddings said it was fitting that the Tasmanian House of Assembly had become the first Parliament in Australia to endorse same-sex marriage after a long road to reverse the discriminatory policies of the past.

“Tasmania has come a long way since 1997 when homosexuality was finally decriminalised.

Ms Giddings said ultimately the decision to legalise same-sex marriage would need to be made at a National level.

“I personally hope that such a change will occur, but I recognise that this matter legally needs to be dealt with at the national level through an amendment to the Commonwealth Marriage Act.”

Equality advocates have hailed today's vote in favour of marriage equality.

Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said the vote will send a powerful message to the rest of the nation.

"Today's vote sends a compelling message to the Federal Government that it's time for all
Australian couples to have legal equality", Mr Greenwich said.

"It also sends a message of hope to same-sex couples and their families that equality is coming and it is unstoppable."