The Final Push
- Author:
- Jason Marshall
- Posted:
- Thursday, 1 December 2011
The largest, and possibly the last, rally to demand marriage for same-sex couples will be held this December.
Activists, politicians, gays, lesbians and their friends, families and supporters will meet at the north end of Hyde Park on Saturday, December 3 and march to the Labor Party’s National conference in Darling Harbour.
A vote at the National Conference will provide the party an opportunity to change their policy to one in favour of marriage equality.
Community Action Against Homophobia (CAAH) Co-convenor Ben Cooper stated, “The only way for marriage equality to get up into the National ALP platform is for us to stand up in our thousands and demand that they vote yes at National Conference.”
In the lead-up to the mass mobilisation, prominent groups have put out messages encouraging their supporters to attend.
Convener of Australian Marriage Equality, Alex Greenwich, said, “December 3rd is an opportunity to be a part of history in the making. By adding your voice of support at the rally you will be encouraging our supporters within the conference to strive for a binding party policy for marriage equality.”
National Spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), Shelley Argent, said, “It’s time for those who don’t normally have the opportunity to have a voice to be seen on mass and to let the delegates see the faces of those affected directly by the present discrimination in this country.”
“This rally represents a one-time moment for our community. Sydney Mardi Gras encourages everyone to stand and united around for equality. This day will be of monumental importance for our community, if we don’t take a stand on December 3 another chance to push for change could be a long time coming. We look forward to showing that it is time for equal marriage rights,” Chair of Sydney Mardi Gras, Pete Urmson, said.
Convener of Equal Love Melbourne, Ali Hogg, said, “Poll after poll show that the majority of Australians support marriage equality and it’s about time our government followed suit. Discrimination is alive and well in Australia and changing the law to be equal is necessarily to break it down.”
The City of Sydney has passed a motion in support of the rally, and will fly the rainbow flag at Town Hall on December 3.
By Jason Marshall
Photo: Ludovic Bertron
Like this article? Register as a subscriber here. It's free! We'll keep you up to date with new stories on the site.
Story posted on Thursday, 1 December 2011, filed under City Hub, City News. Follow responses via the RSS feed.
Post a comment