Rodney Croome: We will not be silenced. Friday’s Glenorchy rally

Rodney Croome

“Tasmanians are telling me that it is not a priority and it is time to move on.” – Guy Barnett

Guy Barnett and his Save Marriage Coalition say they want the debate on marriage equality to come to end. They say an inquiry into the constitutional issues raised by state legislation is unnecessary and they have attempted to sideline the movement for equality by labelling its work “a hate campaign”.

http://oldtt.pixelkey.biz/index.php?/weblog/article/message-to-guy-barnett-marriage-equality-supporters-wont-be-silenced/

Yet, they are quite happy to continue their own advocacy. On October 25th Fullers Bookshop in Launceston will host the launch of Kevin Andrews’ “Maybe I do, modern marriage and the pursuit of happiness”, a book which attacks the aspiration of same-sex couples for equality.

The invitation, which is being issued by “Guy Barnett and the Save Marriage Coalition”, says there will be an update on the work of the Save Marriage Coalition ((TT here).

Putting aside the question of whether Fullers patrons would welcome anti-gay propaganda in their bookshop, it seems Guy Barnett is displaying a double standard.

He wants the marriage equality debate to come to an end, except when he wants to say something.

As I’ve recently written, marriage equality supporters will not be intimidated into silence by people like Guy Barnett.
http://oldtt.pixelkey.biz/index.php?/weblog/article/message-to-guy-barnett-marriage-equality-supporters-wont-be-silenced/

We will continue to advocate for reform wherever the issue is discussed.

Yesterday on Tasmanian Times:

• Message to Guy Barnett: marriage equality supporters won’t be silenced.

• The duty of politicians to principles, not mob rule

• TASMANIAN GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS GROUP

Media Release
Thursday October 18th 2012

RALLY TO SHOW GLENORCHY SUPPORTS MARRIAGE EQUALITY

What: rally outside the office of Adriana Taylor MLC
When: 12.30pm, Friday October 19th 2012
Who: speakers include Glenorchy City Councillor, Sharon Carnes, and Glenorchy resident, Sophia Alex-Bailey

A rally will be held tomorrow outside the office of Upper House member, Adriana Taylor, to protest her opposition to the Same-Sex Marriage Bill which was recently narrowly defeated in the Upper House.

One of the rally organisers, Robbie Moore, said,

“The rally aims to send a message to Adriana Taylor that there is strong and continuing support for marriage equality in the northern suburbs.”

“By her own admission, Adriana Taylor was voting against the majority of her electors who support marriage equality, and we want to remind her we are not going away.”

One of the speakers at tomorrow’s rally, Glenorchy resident, Sophia Alex-Bailey said,

“I have lived in Glenorchy all my life and while the northern suburbs is generally a tolerant place I have experienced discrimination.

“I believe marriage equality will help end that discrimination so I was disappointed Adriana Taylor not only voted against it but refused to meet me and many other constituents.”

Speakers at the rally will include Glenorchy City Councillor, Sharon Carnes, Glenorchy resident, Sophia Alex-Bailey, Rainbow Communities Tasmanian spokesperson, Robbie Moore and TGLRG spokesperson, Rodney Croome.

• TASMANIAN GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS GROUP

Media Release
Friday October 19th 2012

RALLY SENDS PRO-EQUALITY MESSAGE TO UPPER HOUSE

A rally in the northern suburbs of Hobart has sent the message that the marriage equality debate is anything but over.

Fifty residents of the northern suburbs gathered for a colourful rally outside the office of the Upper House member for Elwick, Adriana Taylor, who voted against the recent Same-Sex Marriage Bill, despite saying she opposes discrimination.

Rally organiser, Robbie Moore, said,

“The rally sent a message to Adriana Taylor that there is strong support for marriage equality in the northern suburbs and that by opposing it she does not speak for us.”

Glenorchy City Alderman, Sharon Carnes, addressed the crowd saying the northern suburbs community believes in equality for everyone and expects their elected representatives to share these values.

“As a resident of Adriana Taylor’s electorate I don’t believe she consulted the community sufficiently on this important issue and I expect her to consult more before the next time it is voted on.”

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said the rally signalled the start of the second round of the marriage equality debate.

“A majority of Tasmanians want our state to allow same-sex couples to marry and we will continue to campaign for as long as it takes.”

“The Same-Sex Marriage Bill was defeated so narrowly, and such poor reasons were given for voting against it, that it would be irresponsible for us to give up now.”

The Upper House is expected to soon debate a motion from Ruth Forrest MLC establishing an inquiry into the constitutional issues raised by state same-sex marriage laws.