Rally to mark seven years of inequality
This Saturday marks seven years, almost to the day, the Howard government passed the amendment to the Marriage Act to explicitly restrict marriage to between a man and a woman, with support from the then Labor opposition.
This year equality advocates will continue the tradition of marking the day with a National Day of Action in support of marriage equality, with rallies in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Perth.
In NSW, Community Action Against Homophobia (CAAH) is calling on supporters of marriage equality to gather at the Sydney Town Hall from 1pm on Saturday.
“The anniversary of the marriage amendment gives us one of the last opportunities to get our voices heard before the ALP national conference on December 3,” CAAH co-convener Cat Rose said.
CAAH co-convener Ben Cooper added: “We will not be accepting any compromises, including that of a conscience vote that will allow anyone to vote against equal rights.”
“Equality is not a matter of subjective conscience, but a fundamental issue of human rights.”
In Victoria, Equal Love is calling on marchers to gather from 1pm at the State Library. Radio personality Tracy Bartram will host the rally and speakers will include Greens MP Adam Bandt and Victorian Trades Hall Council president Ingrid Scott.
INFO: The rally starts at Sydney Town Hall at 1pm on Saturday, August 13. For details visit www.caah.org.au
In Victoria the rally starts at the State Library at 1pm on Saturday, August 13.
Photo: Alison Bennett
Adelaide is also having a rally with double the normal turnout expected this time around. The rally kicks off at 1pm on the steps of Parliament House, North terrace.
Hope to see all you RAdelaideiens out there in support for or fight for equality.