Canberra rally for civil unions

A rally will be held in the heart of Canberra for civil union legislation this Saturday, with key members of the ACT Government to speak.

Taking place in front of the Legislative Assembly, the rally is timed to coincide with the return of the 2008 session, and has the support of MLA Andrew Barr, who is in a same-sex relationship, and Attorney-General Simon Corbell.

Organisers wanted the ACT Government to move ahead with the legislation, first passed in 2006, which allowed for official ceremonies, before it was overturned by the then Federal Government.

“I’ve been flooded with emails asking what are our options now. We want to make a point to our families and friends,” Gabrielle, an organiser and Canberra resident, said.

“That’s primarily what people want. It’s not a selfish aim, but being told by Government that we’re worth something.

“Things are getting incrementally better, but we’re still in a secular democracy legislating democracy.”

A group of 50 residents have already signed onto the rally supporting the ACT Government and its progressive view on the issue.

“We support the legislation that allows for official ceremonies and reject the Federal Government’s attempts to drop them,” one of the organisers Farida Iqbal said.

A spokeswoman for Corbell confirmed the legislation is still introduced and will be debated when the new session sits.

“We’re still in discussions with the Federal Government about aspects of the legislation,” the spokeswoman said.