Politicians share the love at Sydney Mardi Gras

AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Politicians share the love at Sydney Mardi Gras
– Senior Cabinet Ministers to March
– NSW Coalition grants gay marriage conscience vote

Equality advocates have welcomed the news that senior cabinet ministers will march for marriage equality at this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras. The news comes as the NSW Coalition has allowed a free vote on an upcoming motion of support for marriage equality.

The politicians marching in Rainbow Labor’s marriage equality float include: Senator Louise Pratt, Anthony Albanese, Tanya Plibersek, ACT Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr, as well as State labor MPs Carmel Tebbutt, Penny Sharpe, and Linda Burney. The Coalition will also have a float called “GLBTI Liberals” which will include State MP Bruce Notley-Smith, who is a supporter of Marriage Equality. Green’s Sneator Sarah Hanson-Young will join the Australian Marriage Equality float.

Australian Marriage Equality’s National Convener, Alex Greenwich:

“The multi-partisan support for GLBTI equality at this year’s Mardi Gras parade is another sign of unstoppable momentum towards reform”

“The number of State and Federal MPs marching for equality this year will send such a positive message of support and acceptance to Australia’s GLBTI community and our families”

NSW Coalition grants gay marriage conscience vote

Ahead of the Mardi Gras the NSW State Coalition, under premier Barry O’Farrell, has granted a full free vote on an upcoming motion of support for marriage equality. This will mark the first time coalition MPs will vote in favour of same-sex marriage.

Australian Marriage Equality’s National Convener, Alex Greenwich:

“The NSW Coalition has showen great respect for the paty’s supporters of marriage equality. State MPs will now be able to represent the majority of Australians who support reform when voting on this motion”.

The Chair of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Peter Urmson, has also welcomed the news:

“We welcome the support that the O’Farrell Government has given Mardi Gras and we really look forward to them demonstrating their continued support with MPs having a conscience vote for the marriage equality motion,” Urmson said.

And,

GLOBAL EXPERT’S MESSAGE FOR AUS MPS: GAY MARRIAGE IS GOOD FOR FAMILIES

The leading global expert on the impact of marriage equality overseas has told a major Sydney institute that Australia has nothing to fear and much to gain from allowing same-sex couples to marry.

In an address to the Sydney-based Whitlam Institute on Friday night Professor Lee Badgett said,

“Research has clearly shown that allowing same-sex couples to marry has not caused or contributed to any perceived decline in marriage overseas.”

“In fact marriage equality has strengthened families by fostering greater commitment between same-sex partners, providing their children with a greater sense of security and stability, and integrating same-sex couples more closely into their extended families and communities.”

“My message to Australian politicians considering marriage equality is that if you want to strengthen marriage and families you should support this reform.”

While in Australia Prof Badgett has met with state and federal MPs to outline her research into the impact of marriage equality in the Netherlands and Massachusetts.

Prof Badgett has conducted the research in her dual roles as professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts and Research Director at the UCLA Williams Institute, and published her results in an award-winning book, “When Gay People Get Married: what happens when societies legalize same-sex marriage”.

Earlier in her visit Prof Badgett released figures showing that the Australian economy would benefit by at least $161 million in new spending if same-sex couples are allowed to wed.

Also speaking at yesterday’s seminar was Boris Dittrich, the former Dutch MP who was responsible for introducing marriage equality legislation in the Dutch Parliament.