Mt Isa calls for marriage rights
Around 70 people turned out to call for marriage equality outside MP Bob Katter’s electoral office in the Queensland town of Mt Isa today.
The protest was led by local resident James Newburrie.
Newburrie told the Star Observer he was overwhelmed by the show of support.
“I was mentally prepared for it to be one short, fat guy with a sign,” he said.
“We had 70 people in Mt Isa come out without any problem, I guess that just goes to prove that rural Australia does support same-sex marriage.”
Newburrie said a range of protesters took to the street.
“There were people who read my op[inion] ed[itorial] [published online last month on the ABC’s The Drum] who came out to support me and a lot of straight allies, and people who wanted to tell Bob Katter to listen to his electorate.”
Last month Katter said same-sex marriage was an issue that should not be taken seriously and should be “laughed at and ridiculed.”
Newburrie said he had not had any response from Katter’s office.
Last week the Star Observer reported Mt Isa Council finally gave Newburrie the go-ahead to stage the rally after the Australian Sex Party agreed to cover Newburrie’s public liability insurance requirements.
CLICK: Mt Isa protest in photos
Me and my mate Shane were considering relocating to Queensland to take advantage of all the construction work going on. When we visited the place we felt intimidated by all the hating red necks.
We’ll be keeping out toolbelts in Sydney until people like Bob Katter shoo off.
Big shout out from the PPU to all the people supporting gay marriage in rural Australia, you have our support!
Katter’s Australian Party is yet to be registered, has 21 core principles, including one that states marriage between a man and woman should be upheld because it is better for society, the economy and children. Now think about this for a second. How many straight marriages have seen waste court, police & other such departments time & finances not to mention tax payers money? Not being gay myself I am, however, one for equality & zero oppression; be it government or religious or a combination thereof. Catholics, other religions & the government do not have the monopoly on marriage. It’s also non gay people who won’t change the law I notice as well so how biased is that (Gillard, Abbott & “that lot”). Still this is how our government works. The country would not fall apart, in fact the opposite; we would have less riots, abuse & become more tolerant & respective of other peoples life styles. The Catholics are to blame for the majority of this but the government is jumping on that band wagon totally screwing it up for everyone. Again, its only non gay people who are saying no to gay marriage. Think of the problems straight marriages have caused us as a society for a moment!!
It was a wonderful, celebratory rally. Plenty of support from the community with beeps as they drove past and road trains honking when they saw our signs! Thanks James for giving us the opportunity to share our passion for equal love with our community :)
Bob Katter said he “would walk backwards to Bourke”, if there was one gay person in his electorate.
I think he should start before Christmas and he might just make it!