… PLAN TO WIN MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Supporters of LGBTI equality are being urged to get behind a new fundraising campaign for one of the country’s most effective advocates.

National spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Shelley Argent, and her husband Don, spent over $200,000 on research, advertising and lobbying to block a damaging plebiscite and now Shelley’s supporters are calling for donations to help fund Shelley’s plan to achieve marriage equality.

The woman behind the initiative is Geelong mother, Sharyn Faulkner, who, like Shelley, has a gay son.

Sharyn said,

“I’m just so grateful to Shelley and Don for the sacrifices they’ve made to shield my son and all LGBTI Australians from a plebiscite.”

“Shelley is an incredibly effective advocate and lobbyist, and I want to show my support for what she does by helping her fund the next phase of her campaign.”

“Now a plebiscite looks like being blocked we can get marriage equality through parliament by encouraging the Liberals to have a free vote or at least crossing the floor.”

Sharyn has launched a Go Fund Me campaign to raise $50,000 to fund Shelley’s ongoing work.

“The funds raised won’t be a reimbursement for what Shelley has spent already, but we can’t expect her to keep on giving so we need to show our support for her ongoing work.”

LGBTI human rights advocate, Rodney Croome, backed the campaign saying Shelley’s role in blocking a plebiscite was crucial.

“Shelley funded key research in Australia and Ireland, lobbying, advertising and the Make It Law website through which almost half a million letters were sent to MPs and senators.”

“Shelley’s generosity has literally saved the lives of young vulnerable LGBTI people for whom the pressures of a hateful plebiscite would have been too great.”

“Her plan to win marriage equality is a sound one that we should all get behind.”

According to the Go Fund Me campaign Shelley’s plan is

1. Pass a cross-party bill through the Senate where supporters of reform have the numbers. A focus will be Labor Senators yet to vote for marriage equality.

2. Increase pressure for LNP members to have a free vote or cross the floor by working in the electorates of key Liberal and National Party members through social media, advertising and grassroots activation.

To visit the fundraising campaign go to

https://www.gofundme.com/Help-Shelley-Make-It-Law
National spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Shelley Argent