GLBT-friendly race in Balmain

Every candidate for the seat of Balmain in the upcoming state election supports formal recognition of same-sex relationships, with three out of four supporting marriage equality.

“I am a long-time supporter of same-sex marriage,” Labor incumbent Verity Firth told the Star Observer. “When it comes to marriage, love is all that matters, and I believe it’s time for federal marriage laws to reflect that.”

With the NSW Greens threatening legislation under state law if the federal Government fails to legalise same-sex marriage by 2013, the Star Observer asked Firth if she would support such an initiative. “I would support any steps towards equal recognition of same-sex couples and their families,” she said.

Independent candidate Jon Shapiro supported same-sex marriage but was running a single issue campaign.

“I agree with same-sex marriage,” Shapiro said. “However … I am running in this election solely on the issue of constitutional reform.”

Leichhardt mayor and Greens candidate for Balmain, Jamie Parker, told the Star Observer his party was working for marriage equality at all levels of government, and for all the letters of the GLBTI alphabet.

While changing the federal Marriage Act was the ultimate goal, Parker said the Greens would move at a state level if the federal Government dragged its heels for too long.

Liberal candidate James Falk understood the need for same-sex couples to formalise their relationships, but stopped short of supporting same-sex marriage.

“When you are part of a loving couple it is reasonable to want to formalise your relationship as others do,” Falk said.

“I look to the most practical way we can deliver substantive, real equality in the very near future without amending the Marriage Act. To deliver this equality I favour some form of civil union to which a presumption of spousal rights applies.”