Same-sex couples can already record their relationships on a register in Tasmania, but in 2005 the Parliament stopped short of taking the next step to allow marriage.

The Greens’ Nick Mckim will release legal advice today that finds no constitutional barrier to Tasmania introducing same-sex marriage laws. He says, if approved, the legislation could make Tasmania a mecca for same-sex couples wanting to wed.

“This is about tolerance and it’s about respect and those are values that I believe most Tasmanians would share and if we’re fair dinkum about removing discrimination in this state we should give all Tasmanians access to the fundamental institutions of our society, including marriage,” he said.

Mr McKim plans to table a Bill this month.

Rodney Croome, from the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Group, has supported the push to extend the rights of heterosexual couples to people in same-sex relationships.

“According to the most recent opinion polls 57 per cent of Australians support same sex marriages, I think it’s time for the two major parties to at least allow a mature community debate on the issue,” he said.

“And I’d be hopeful of some sort of parliamentary inquiry into whether it’s possible to have same-sex marriage in Tasmania.”