Social media reacts to Governor-General’s support for marriage equality
SOCIAL media went into a bit of a meltdown last night when Governor-General Quentin Bryce indicated her support for marriage equality during her final Boyer Lecture in Sydney.
During her speech, the Queen’s representative (pictured) said she hoped Australia might become a nation “where people are free to love and marry whom they choose”.
“And where perhaps, my friends, one day one young girl or boy may even grow up to be our nation’s first head of state,” she said.
According to social media and various news reports, these comments have been widely interpreted as an endorsement of marriage equality and of Australia becoming a republic.
Quentin Bryce needs to be on the head float at next year’s Mardi Gras. @AlexGreenwich, can you make some calls?
— Shannon Molloy (@sleemol) November 23, 2013
Queen’s rep backs republic & #marriageequality http://t.co/HfSNyMVYKv Well done Quentin Bryce. If only the majority of Federal MPs agreed…
— Alastair Lawrie (@alawriedejesus) November 22, 2013
The freedom to marry is part of advancing a fair Australia, says Governor General Quentin Bryce. http://t.co/1BPsKDoG0y
— Jacob Holman (@JacobLeigh) November 22, 2013
GG Quentin Bryce my hero, making some common sense comments in a week of craziness #LGBT #samesexmarriage. #auspol
— Pauline thomson (@thomsonkid) November 23, 2013
Supporting #marriageequality Governor General Quentin Bryce is fabulous! http://t.co/XcdTDBdZBs
— Michelle McCormack (@macandmart) November 22, 2013
Australian Marriage Equality national director Rodney Croome also publicly supported Ms Bryce’s endorsement of marriage equality.
“The Governor-General’s dignified support for marriage equality will be welcomed by the many millions of Australians who support the reform,” he said.
“In particular, it will send a message to older Australians that this is a reform they can embrace because it strengthens relationships, families and marriage.”
Mr Croome said that Bill Hayden was the first governor-general to back marriage equality when he was in the office in 1995.
“One of the first Australian public figures to support marriage equality was Bill Hayden when he was Governor-General in 1995.”
Ms Bryce is expected to be near the end of her term as governor general, after being appointed to the role in 2008.
What did you think of the Governor-General’s speech? Comment below.