Randwick council backs marriage equality

Randwick councillors have voted unanimously in support of marriage equality and called on their constituents to communicate their views on the issue to federal parliamentarians.

On February 22, Randwick City Council’s Greens Mayor, Murray Matson, introduced a motion authorising him to use the official Randwick Mayoral Column to call for residents to write to their federal MP.

Matson also produced a mayoral minute which stated, “Marriage is a human right and it should not be denied to anybody on the basis of race, creed, religion or sexuality.

“The purpose of this mayoral minute is to show this Council’s total support for same-sex marriages here in Australia and to convey that sentiment to our federal members as part of their consultation with their constituents.

“The time has come for same-sex couples to enjoy the same basic rights as heterosexual couples throughout Australia and it is appropriate that this Council shows its full support for this cause.”

The motion was seconded by independent councillor John Procopiadis and Liberal councillor Scott Nash.
Matson told the Star Observer he urged all residents of Randwick City “to put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, and let your federal MP know your views on same-sex marriage”.

Australian Marriage Equality (AME) national convenor Alex Greenwich congratulated Randwick councillors and said it was essential that supporters of equality contacted their federal parliamentarians.

“Opponents of equality are making their voices heard at the moment and we’ve got to match and exceed that,” Greenwich said.

He said that with NSW Labor senator Ursula Stephens announcing she would vote against same-sex marriage after receiving a negative response from voters it was important that people didn’t focus solely on their MPs.

“Many senators have an electorate office, so that is one way you can put your views across. But if yours doesn’t, you can still write to them, you can get your family and friends to write to them, and you can call your senator’s office.”

AME has already met with 40 MPs this year. Another 500 meetings with MPs have been organised through the group’s website.

With the battle for marriage equality looking to heat up in 2011, AME is seeking community members who would be prepared to help fund that fight with a regular donation of $20 per month.

“A small contribution from you will make a huge difference to the fight for equality,” Greenwich said.

info: Visit www.australianmarriageequality.com