Tasmania is the third state to show parliamentary support for marriage equality.

Following a three-hour debate on Wednesday evening, Tasmania’s lower house has decided to pass a motion of support for marriage equality.

Introduced by the Tasmanian Greens, the motion called for an in-principle support for marriage equality.

Seven of the 15 House of Assembly MPs voted in support as well as five of the seven Labor MPs. The three Greens also voted in support of the motion.

Although states cannot legislate for marriage equality individually, Premier Will Hodgman has stated that Tasmanian Liberal members have a conscious vote on the subject.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said, “This vote will reassure Tasmanian LGBTI couples that their parliament regards their love for each other as equal and supports their right to express their love through marriage if they choose.”

Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff said about his “yes” vote, “I believe that those who are committed and in a loving relationship should have the ability, in the eyes of the law to get married.”

However, there were opposing views. Government MP Rene Hidding quoted former Prime Minister John Howard, saying “Children are best served having both a mother and a father in their lives.”

Tasmania joins New South Wales and Western Australian parliaments in showing support for marriage equality.

The federal government plans to move ahead with plans for a future plebiscite that will allow the citizens of Australia to choose whether the Marriage Act should include same-sex couples.