The Parliamentary Labor Party today announced its support for legislation to grant marriage equality for same-sex couples in Tasmania.

The Premier, Lara Giddings, said the PLP had resolved to pursue reform within the current term of Government.

"Labor has a proud history of tackling discrimination and introducing important social reform," Ms Giddings said.

"The PLP was proud to support the principle of same-sex marriage in Parliament last year but it has been agreed that the time has come to act decisively on this issue."

Ms Giddings said legal advice received by the Government did not preclude the Tasmanian Parliament from pursuing state-based reforms.

"I expect the rest of the country will be watching closely as we work through this process.

"It is my hope that the Commonwealth Parliament will also act on this issue in the not too distant future, noting that there is support for same-sex unions on all sides of Federal politics.

"There is strong evidence that legislating for same sex marriage will provide a significant economic boost and create jobs for Tasmanians.

"Eleven countries now recognise same sex marriage including Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa and Sweden.

"Likewise, jurisdictions in Mexico and the United States, have introduced state-based laws, so there is precedent for the Tasmanian Labor Party's position.

"There will always be excuses, arguments and questions of timing when moving on difficult and controversial issues. 

"But just as we have responded to other forms of discrimination throughout history, there comes a time when no amount of excuses should stand in the way of doing what is right.

"If Parliaments of the past did not have the courage to respond to changing community values then Tasmania would still be a state where homosexuality is illegal, where women don't have the vote and no apology has been made to the Aboriginal stolen generations.

"Labor is proud to be taking a stand today to say that discrimination on the basis of sexuality should end."