-POLL FINDS SYDNEY WANTS MARRIAGE EQUALITY NOT CIVIL UNIONS

Media Statement
Friday February 11th 2011

– POLL FINDS SYDNEY WANTS MARRIAGE EQUALITY NOT CIVIL UNIONS
– PLIBERSEK SUPPORT WELCOMED

The Federal Minister for Human Services and Social Inclusion, Tanya Plibersek, has thrown her full weight behind marriage equality following the release of a poll of her Sydney electorate which found overwhelming support for the issue.

In a statement to Parliament on Wednesday Ms Plibersek said 89% of her constituents believe the Federal Government should formally recognise same-sex relationships with 80% preferring same-sex marriage and only 57% said they would accept either marriage equality or a civil union scheme.

In a letter to her constituents issued yesterday Ms Plibersek said,

“The residents of Sydney who wrote to me in support of same sex marriage came from many different backgrounds. What they all shared was a belief that laws shouldn’t discriminate against people because of their sexuality – a belief I share.”

“The Prime Minister has indicated that this issue will be debated at the Labor Party’s National Conference later this year. I believe this is the right time to renew Labor’s program to deliver this final measure of full equality for same sex couples and I will be making a case for change there.”

Australian Marriage Equality National Convener, Alex Greenwich, welcomed Ms Plibersek’s support for marriage equality.

“Tanya Plibersek’s poll and her public support for full equality sends an unequivocal message to the nation that Sydney supports marriage equality and will not settle for a second-best civil union scheme”, Mr Greenwich.

“We thank Tanya for representing the wishes of her constituents on this issue.”

Mr Greenwich, who has been in Canberra lobbying politicians to support marriage equality, said support is growing in both major parties.

“The message we are receiving from a growing number of MPs is that allowing same-sex couples to marry is the right thing to do, but there are still many MPs who are conflicted and we urge all supporters of equality to writer to their local MP.”

Ms Plibersek’s comments to Parliament can be found at here

Several Federal politicians have launched on-line polls on marriage equality including Liberal Party Deputy Leader, Julie Bishop. Ms Bishop’s poll shows overwhelming support for marriage equality in her Perth-based electorate. A list of MP polls can be found at here

Dear Marriage Equality Supporters,

Who doesn’t love a summer wedding? It’s the perfect time of year – the weather’s beautiful, birds serenade as young couples hold hands in Hyde Park and love is in the air. Unfortunately not all Australian’s are allowed the opportunity to celebrate their love and commitment through marriage. While love doesn’t discriminate, the law does.

So this Valentine’s Day we’re launching a new television ad to celebrate love and commitment of all couples and you’re invited.
• What: Launch of Australian Marriage Equality/GetUp! Television Ad
• Where: Martin Place (Sydney CBD)
• When: 8:30am – 9.00am, Monday, February 14th (Valentine’s Day)
We’ve got a massive wedding from Gay Cakes, brides and grooms decked out in their finest, a soundtrack of sentimental (and yes, sappy) love songs, and lots of (media) cameras to remember the special moment. All we need is you – the guests!

In addition to being a fun event, you’ll be helping make a serious point about the right of everyone to marry. We’ll be holding a press conference with our partners from GetUp! and being so close to the Channel 7 Sunrise studios, we’re hoping Mel and Kochie might pop right outside to say hello and join the fun.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s come together and remind the public and our politicians of the power of love.
Also, if you are free this Saturday don’t forget about our “marriage equality in the pub” session at the Bank Hotel in Newtown from 3pm to 5pm.

Hope to see you there,
Alex Greenwich
National Convener,
Australian Marriage Equality
Alex Greenwich, Australian Marriage Equality