Letters – issue 1035

VOTING PLEA

I am writing to you in desperation to make our votes count in this election.

Previously I have always voted Labor and much prefer Gillard over Abbott. But I cannot support any party that doesn’t entitle me to equal rights without any ‘ifs and/or buts’. I believe our civil rights should be prioritised as a number one concern.

I am unapologetically proud to be gay and the Greens think so too. We know either Gillard or Abbott will win but at least if we vote Greens, together we stand a better chance of being represented in our electorates by a party that will fight for us.  Gillard will get the Greens preference so rally your family and friends. We need to make some noise.

We are all worth it and only together can we make a difference.

— Adam

MEXICAN MARRIAGE

The decision by the Supreme Court of Mexico to uphold the same-sex marriage laws enacted by Mexico City is great news (‘Same-sex marriage effectively legalised in Mexico’, www.ssonet.com.au).

However, your line “effectively putting marriage equality in reach of any Mexican couple with a car or the bus fare” is not quite true.

To qualify, same-sex couples must be resident in Mexico City for at least 12 months and the onus of proof is quite high.

My partner is Mexican and — given the Australian Government’s refusal to provide equal recognition for all couples committing to each other in a legally valid ceremony — on our recent trip to Mexico we investigated whether we could get married in Mexico City. Alas, not.

The court’s decision in this matter is landmark for conservative and Catholic Mexico. Effectively every state sued Mexico City in a joint action and their case was denied.
With the high number of gay men and lesbian women who work at Parliament House in Canberra it’s about time Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott recognised how our current laws are preventing families with same-sex attracted children from seeing all their adult children tie the knot in a love-filled ceremony that is nationally valid.

— Andrew

MOVE MOUNTAINS

I was very emotional to see such strength in support from our community for the Equality for Marriage rally at the weekend.

I had a strong sense of pride to be part of the event, walking through the city for gay rights, again.

It disturbs me greatly that we are still talking about equality. I was encouraged to see so many leaders of our community groups and mainstream community with one goal — to be visible and vocal about matters that really are of concern and need to be addressed.

As a gay man in a loving relationship I do not need to be told what is right or wrong about my relationship. It is the wider message that is sent by saying that we are not equal that I have issue with.

Thank you to the organisers for bringing together such a great group of people who show they care. Together in unity as a community we can move mountains.

— Pete

THANK YOU

Community Action Against Homophobia Sydney would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who rallied in their thousands around Australia for equal marriage rights.

In Sydney we had one of our biggest-ever demonstrations and we would like to say thanks to all those people who worked so hard to make this day happen.
In particular we would to thank Wil Anderson and Joyce Maynge and our other speakers. We would also like to acknowledge both Oxford and Stonewall hotels for hosting our after-parties and figure 8 for doing the sound for this event.

Equal marriage rights will eventually be won but until that day comes we will need to keep up the pressure on both the major parties until we win. We will rally again around the country on Saturday, November 27. See you there and thanks again.

— Ben Cooper and Cat Rose, CAAH Sydney Co-convenors

SUPPORT TIM BERRY

Justin (SSO #1033) is correct in saying the fight to regain control of The Shift is a matter for the courts to decide, but also asks why the community should care?

For the 20+ year duration of our relationship we have enjoyed the many venues operated by Tim Berry. The Unicorn, Patches and the Balmain Town Hall are long gone but are still remembered fondly. The Shift has always been there.

Tim’s been a strong supporter of the gay community for decades. We’re aware of the support he’s provided to groups like the Luncheon Club and Sydney Convicts, to Ward 17 South, and read of his Cambodian orphanage. We’re personally aware of other generous acts and donations that you won’t see published. Maybe this is the time we should show him at least a little moral support.

The landlord seizing control of The Midnight Shift building and business while Tim was out of the country is an act that can’t pass without registering our protest.

We hope that the court strikes down the landlord’s claim to the business and Tim is able to regain control of the Shift.

Tim, thank you for your support, for our memories of all your venues, and we look forward to gathering with our friends in the ‘real’ Shift again soon.

— Glen and Greg

DON”t BLAME CLOVER

Re Leon’s comments (Letters, SSO 1034) I agree with most of what he says. I live at Taylor Sq and everything Leon comments re noise, loutish behaviour, and  vomiting and urinating in and around our front doorways, lanes and streets is frightening.

I have almost contracted RSI from calling the police, especially at weekends. They respond in most cases very quickly. I suggest a portable command post at Taylor Sq Sat/Sun nights till 8am-ish.

However, to blame Clover Moore as the culprit for not controlling these problems is silly. Having attended many forums involving Clover Moore and police, she has really tried to get these matters attended to.

As for voting for the Greens at the next council elections the only way they could  fix these problems is by boring the culprits to death.

Leon, one woman alone cannot sort out a problem that seems to be getting worse every weekend.

— Fred