Lismore council passes motion strengthening its support for marriage equality

The Equality Campaign tonight welcomed the decision by the Lismore Council to strengthen its support for marriage equality by calling on the Federal Government to allow a vote in the parliament.

The Lismore Council motion saw a commitment by the Council to write to all Federal MPs and political parties to reiterate their commitment to marriage equality for all their constituents.

Furthermore, the Council also passed a motion to fly a rainbow flag or banner in a prominent place in Lismore until equality is achieved at a Federal level.

Jay Allen of The Equality Campaign who spoke to at the Council Meeting said, “Marriage equality is a simple issue of fairness and being treated equally under the law. LGBTI Australians should be able to have the same opportunities for love, commitment and happiness as everyone else.

“It is great to have the ongoing support of the Council because we must work together to ensure every Australian has the same opportunities in the land of the fair go and for every person in this region.

“The Equality Campaign has been travelling across the Page electorate talking about why marriage equality matters. The support has been overwhelming because at the end of the day people recognise that marriage equality is about our friends, families, colleagues and teammates who just want the same dignity and respect,” Jay Allen said.

Local Lismore marriage equality advocate Kate Willock said, “It was incredibly heartening to see Councillor Darlene Cook drive the motion from the floor. It showed the maturity from the Lismore City Council in endorsing all 4 parts of the motion.

“The debate in the chamber was robust with councillors Guise and Lloyd wanting to amend the motion to ask for immediate legislation rather than a conscience vote,” Kate Willock said.

A 2017 ReachTel Poll commissioned by The Equality Campaign revealed almost 65% of the Page electorate believes their local MP, Kevin Hogan should be able to vote on same-sex marriage if a Bill is presented to Parliament.

The Poll also revealed that more than 41% of the electorate is less likely to vote for the Liberal Nationals Coalition if they continue to block members voting according to their conscience on legalising same-sex marriage.

“Marriage Equality will not change anything for the vast majority of Australians but will make a profound difference to the status and dignity of many,” Jay Allen said.

“Two thirds of the nation as well as the majority of politicians want every Australian to be able to marry the person they love. It is time politicians did their job so we can all move forward,” Jay Allen concluded.

The Successful Motion:

Council resolves to:

1. Council confirms its long held commitment to publicly support marriage equality for all persons irrespective of sex, gender identity or sex characteristics.

2. Council writes to all Federal Members of Parliament and the Commonwealth Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission advising them of Council’s ongoing commitment and support of marriage equality.

3. Council writes to all political parties with representation in the Federal Parliament encouraging them to prioritise debating changes to the Marriage Act and to allow a genuine conscience vote on marriage equality; and

4. Council fly a rainbow flag or banner in a prominent place in the City until Equality is achieved at a Federal level.
Clint McGilvray