Historic opportunity missed  Thu 27 September 2012  Lara
Giddings   The Premier, Lara Giddings, tonight expressed her
disappointment that Marriage Equality laws had been voted down
in the Legislative Council.   Ms Giddings said Tasmania had
missed an opportunity to lead the nation in ending
discrimination against same sex couples.       "It concerns me
that some members have hidden behind legal arguments and cost
implications to vote against what is at its heart a fundamental
issue of equal rights for same sex couples.   "Only the High
Court can make a definitive ruling on the legal questions
surrounding marriage equality and the fact that the Upper House
has prevented this from even being tested will come as a
disappointment to many.   "When we are talking about extending
rights and removing discrimination, how much is too much to pay
- $10,000, $100,000 even $200,000?   "The cost argument doesn't
hold water when you consider the millions that would have flown
to the Tasmanian economy by acting first on this