The House of Assembly on Wednesday night passed a Greens motion giving in-principle support for same-sex marriage.

It’s the first time state MPs have put their views on the record since the change of government.

Premier Will Hodgman said he would be voting for marriage equality in the federal government’s plebiscite.

‘‘I’m offended by the notion that our community says same-sex couples are less capable of love and commitment and marriage than heterosexual people,’’ Mr Hodgman said.

‘‘In my view it will strengthen the institution of marriage.

‘‘I did believe significant relationship registration adequately dealt with the interests of those in same sex relationships, but in 2015 my perspectives and views have progressed,’’ he said.

Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he was ‘‘absolutely and unequivocally’’ in favour of same-sex marriage.

‘‘I believe very firmly that those in a loving and committed relationship should have the ability by law to say they have chosen a significant other to spend the rest of their lives with,’’ Mr Rockliff said.

‘‘It is an important viewpoint I’ve had more many years now,’’ he said.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor, who brought on the motion, said ‘‘love is just love’’.

‘‘It is simply at the core of who we are as human beings,’’ Ms O’Connor said.

‘‘This vote will have a lot of meaning for many Tasmanians.’’

Police Minister Rene Hidding took a swipe at the Greens for moving the motion in the last sitting week of the year, and questioned their priorities.

Mr Hidding said the motion proved nothing.

‘‘It’s got nothing to do with this house or this Parliament,’’ Mr Hidding said.

Opposition Leader Bryan Green said there was a mood for change.

‘‘I firmly believe we missed the boat by not recognising same-sex marriage first here in Tasmania,’’ Mr Green said.

The motion passed 15 to nine, with an amendment by the government that said marriage was a federal issue, and called for a respectful debate in the lead-up to the plebiscite.

Tasmania joins the parliaments of New South Wales and Western Australia which have also expressed support for marriage equality.

Australian Marriage Equality director Rodney Croome congratulated the MPs on passing the motion.

FOR:

Premier Will Hodgman

Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff

State Growth Minister Matt Groom

Treasurer Peter Gutwein

Bass Liberal MHA Sarah Courtney

Braddon Liberal MHA Roger Jaensch 

Braddon Liberal MHA Adam Brooks

Opposition Leader Bryan Green

Deputy Opposition Leader Michelle O'Byrne

Franklin Labor MHA Lara Giddings

Denison Labor MHA Scott Bacon

Lyons Labor MHA Bec White

Greens Leader Cassy O'Connor

Bass Greens MHA Andrea Dawkins

Franklin Greens MHA Rosalie Woodruff

AGAINST:

Police Minister Rene Hidding

Health Minister Michael Ferguson

Human Services Minister Jacqui Petrusma

Resources Minister Paul Harriss

Lyons Liberal MHA Mark Shelton

Lyons Liberal MHA Guy Barnett

Braddon Liberal MHA Joan Rylah

Lyons Labor MHA David Llewellyn

Dension Labor MHA Madeleine Ogilvie