Manly marriage rally to target absent Abbott
Although Coalition Leader Tony Abbott has again indicated he will not front a marriage equality rally outside his Manly electorate offices this Sunday, organisers are hoping his absence will only drive more people to turn out for the latest protest following a colourful rally in May which saw more than 100 people take part.
Northern Beaches-based marriage equality activist Nathan Thomas has long been a thorn in Abbott’s side over his continual opposition to equal marriage rights for LGBTI people. Over the last few years, Thomas and his dad Geoff – who has become widely known as ‘Geoff the Plumber’ following an appearance on ABC TV’s Q&A where he questioned Abbott on gay rights – have formed a formidable father and son duo fighting for equality. Along with representatives from PFLAG, Thomas is helping organise the rally on July 28 and says it will provide a good opportunity for the local Manly community to show their support on an issue fast becoming a moot point in many other countries around the world.
“With the marriage equality reforms overseas in New Zealand, France, Uruguay, and all the other countries now including the UK and Wales … it is starting to look a bit ridiculous for Tony Abbott,” he told the Star Observer.
“If you’re coming on Sunday, please bring along signs and any other colourful items. We’re simply a group of people who want to put the message out that love should be equal in this country.”
INFO: ‘Manly Marriage Equality – Public Assembly’, 11am-1pm, Sunday, July 28 at Manly Corso
