TOLERANCE & UNITY URGED OVER MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Greens Member for Braddon Paul O’Halloran MP stressed the importance of tolerance and community unity, in light of an anti-marriage equality billboard appearing recently at Wynyard.

Mr O’Halloran said that the groups behind the advertisement should keep in mind the harm such messages can cause.

“I would urge those behind this billboard to consider impacts the message would have on young people in the area who might be grappling with their sexuality,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“The shame and stigma that continues to surround homosexuality has led to alarming figures in relation to mental health and suicide within the LGBTI community.”

“I grew up in a Christian household in the Wynyard area, and as a young person I deeply cherished being part of such a caring and united community.”

“The right to free speech and freedom of religion does not mean there should be open slather on publicly shaming people about their sexual preferences.”

“I respect that everyone has a personal opinion on marriage equality, but I simply ask the organisations who sponsored this billboard to think about the harm and damage it will create.”

“This kind of intolerance is a relic of the past, with no place in a modern, forward-looking Tasmania.”
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Member for Braddon Wednesday, 5 June 2013