A photo of part of the crowd attending the BBQ
ULVERSTONE AUDIENCE TOLD TASMANIA “MUST LEAD” ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY
FAMILY BBQ AND CONCERT DRAWS 150
Supporters of marriage equality on the North West Coast have heard that Tasmania can still lead the nation on marriage equality.
Marriage equality advocate, Rodney Croome, told 150 people attending a marriage equality family BBQ and concert in Ulverstone yesterday that Tasmania is still best placed to lead the nation towards “this urgent and important reform”.
“Following marriage equality in New Zealand some people are saying Tasmania has missed the boat but I believe we still can and must lead Australia towards marriage equality.”
“The key will be the Upper House election on May 4th so I urge all supporters of marriage equality to vote for candidates who support Tasmania taking the lead.”
Yesterday’s event was hailed a success by organisers after it drew 150 people.
One of the event’s organisers, Nick Outterside, said
“The event showed there is strong support for marriage equality across the North West community.”
“All Tasmanians will benefit from our state taking the lead because of the social and economic benefits that will flow from everyone being equal under the law.”
One of the three divisions up for election includes Ulverstone. All candidates support marriage equality with the exception of the Liberal Party candidate (voting guides, here).
BBQ-goers heard from several speakers including local Upper House member, Mike Gaffney, local federal Labor member, Sid Sidebottom, local state Green, Paul O’Halleran, Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome, local parent of a gay son, Jen Laws, local same-sex partner, Sabena Lund, and Mr Outterside, who spoke about being raised by two mums.
The crowd was also entertained by music from Bess and Jess Brownrigg and Caroline and Jo Dunn, as well, as a marriage equality performance from Port Dalrymple High School drama students highlighting the negative impact of discrimination.
The performance was inspired by “Labels are so Gay”, a book by North West Tasmania author, Alice Hansen.
Ulverstone was the site of several anti-gay rallies during the campaign to decriminalise homosexuality in Tasmania in the 1990s and was referred to by the Lonely Planet as Australia’s most homophobic town.
Mr Outterside said, “the fact that Ulverstone has gone from having such a bad reputation to hosting such a wonderful pro-equality event makes me optimisitc for the future of marriage equality.”
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome
