Brisbane Marriage Equality Rally 18th May 2013
New Zealand Marriage Equality and what it means for Australia
So this week New Zealand voted on the right side of history and finally allowed same sex marriage. Meanwhile back here in Australia…………………………………………………………………………………
So what does this mean for Australia?
1. It means there is more pressure on our politicians - no Australian likes to see New Zealand beating them! Since the big announcement we have seen NSW liberal leader come out in support of allowing a conscience vote which the LNP party has yet to allow. Tony Abbott has hinted about a change of position (for the party at least). He is now trying to hedge his bets so he doesn’t lose any votes at all!
2. It has given more legitimacy to the idea within mainstream media. It’s been in the papers, on TV news and mainstream online media. People were talking about it in the lunch room the next day.
3. The longer Australia leaves it to catch up - the more money will be pouring over the ditch! Same sex couples here in Australia that are waiting for Australia to allow them their basic human rights will be able to zip on over for a weekend and get married! Importantly - it will be cost effective for family and friends to join them! New Zealand will see a huge economic boost from Australia same sex couples.
So - my suggestion? Move to New Zealand and become a Wedding Planner!
My letter to MPs on the issue of Marriage Equality in Australia
For me this issue is very simple and it comes down to this:-
I have a gay son, a straight son and a straight daughter. Why should 2 of my children have the opportunity to get legally married and not the other? It is simply about equality.
I do not understand why the church gets a say in this at all. I and my 2 children can get legally married without involving religion or a church - I am only asking for the same rights for my gay son.
I am tired of people asking “what about the children?” First of all - the only thing that will happen is those children will be raised knowing that you are supposed to treat all people equally. Most importantly though - What about my child? Why is he less important than someone else’s child? What about the LGBT youth that are homeless, suicidal or self harming because they have grown up in and live in a society that treats them as though they are not as important - that they are second class citizens.
My vote in this election will be solely based on marriage equality.
Please send my son and all LGBT youth a message that says they are not second class or less important.
Please allow a conscience vote and vote in favour of marriage equality
A mother asking you to care about her child.
“
| — | A mother |
I think he says this so beautifully!:-
What I learnt from listening to the submissions, colleagues, was that in fact each homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender person appearing before us was not to be seen just as an individual, not to be identified just by gender preference, but in fact to be seen as a mother’s son or a daughter, and a father’s daughter or son, as siblings to their brothers and sisters, grandchildren to their grandparents, nephews and nieces to their uncles and aunts, and uncles and aunts to their nephews and nieces, and cousins to their cousins.
They are all family, along with their heterosexual friends and relations, and all are an integral part of the New Zealand family, and all are part—in my mind, in my heart, and in my conscience—of God’s family. I now realise that this bill seeks to put first something that critics have accused it of undermining, and that is the family.
We’ve begun filming for our “To My Year 7 Self” video as part of our Cyber Safety project, and here’s how you can be a part of it!
What we’re looking for is pairs of queer and straight people who’re happy to be filmed, preferably uni or post high school age.
In particular, siblings, schoolmates, sporting teammates.
Any stories that show a positive change or growth in a person’s understanding or acceptance of same sex attracted and gender diverse people are what we’re looking for. So if someone has been homophobic or unsupportive in the past, they’d be great to talk to.
If you’re interested in getting involved contact marco@minus18.org.au
More info and an overview of some of the questions we’d like to feature in the video is available here :)
