Marriage equality advocates say the tenth anniversary of the ban on same-sex marriages is a time for supporters to have the confidence to redouble their efforts and take inspiration from how far the nation has moved forward towards this reform:
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“Since 2004 public support for marriage equality has increased from 38% to 72%, more MPs than ever before support the reform and the number of countries that allow same-sex marriages has increased from three to almost twenty.”
“These positive developments will inspire supporters of marriage equality to redouble their efforts.”
On August 13th 2004 the Coalition Government, with the support of Labor, passed amendments to the Marriage Act which explicitly excluded same-sex couples from marriage and prevented the recognition of overseas same-sex marriages in Australian law.
Mr Croome said there have been many sad moments over the last decade.
“Partners who wished to marry have died, couples who wanted to marry at home have been forced overseas to wed, and too many parliamentary votes have failed because MPs were forced to vote along party lines.”
“But each time our resolve to continue the marriage equality has been strengthened and we will not pause until Australia rejoins the company of nations that treats all loving couples equally.”
Marriage Equality rallies will be held throughout Australia this weekend, including in Melbourne on the August 16 from 1pm at State Library of Victoria and in Sydney at Town Hall from 1pm.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome
