Marriage supporters speak up

Marriage supporters speak up

There’s just two weeks left to make a submission to the first ever full-scale government inquiry into same-sex marriage.

Supporters of same-sex marriage are being encouraged to make a submission or sign onto the Australian Marriage Equality submission for the inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill.

Historians will look back at this inquiry as a turning point in the debate on same-sex marriage, AME spokesman Alex Greenwich said, adding that some of the submissions already put forward had moved him to tears.

These are words straight from the heart, and they’ve reaffirmed my belief that marriage equality is one of the most important human rights reforms facing Australia today.

Those looking for inspiration or guidance on formulating their declarations can now view other submissions anonymously posted via AME’s website.

All I ask is for the same rights and benefits in marriage that my heterosexual counterparts have, I don’t want to be treated differently or better – just equal, one submission read.

Institutionalised discrimination is hurtful, old fashioned and bigoted. I think it’s high time for Australia to step forth and show the world that we are a modern and sensible nation,

Others pointed to the difficulties faced by couples married overseas.

By refusing to acknowledge our legally witnessed marriage overseas, you tell us we are not equal citizens in Australia. You tell us and the rest of the community that somehow our love and marriage is -˜less that’ the rest of hetersosexual Australian society, one person wrote.

You make us feel unwelcome in our place of birth compared to the compassion and understanding we receive in other countries that have true equality in their nations.

Friends, family members and general members of the public have also added their voices to the call for same-sex marriage recognition.

I myself am married and it is a wonderful experience, I don’t want my lesbian sister to have to miss out on that experience, or have to leave her home country just so she can marry and the come back, just to have Australia not recognise her marriage, said one submission.

Another woman wrote: I am a heterosexual woman who is almost 30. I have two children who are pre-school aged. I would hope that whether they grow up to be homosexual or heterosexual their relationships would be seen as equal regardless of the sex or gender of their chosen partner. I couldn’t look my child in the face and tell her that her love was not legitimate.

info: To make your submission visit
aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/legcon_ctte/marriage_equality/index.htm.

To read other submissions go to australianmarriageequality.com and follow the links.

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3 responses to “Marriage supporters speak up”

  1. I just sent off my submission. Brief but straight to the point. If anyone who supports same-sex marriage but thinks somehow the GLRL or other activists will win the day, think again. The Australian Family Association (www.family.org.au) is mobilising its supporters. So are other right wing bigots. We could end up with more anti-gay submissions before this inquiry than pro-gay ones.

    Send a submission no matter how short if you support same-sex marriage. It doesn’t have to be a Tolstoy novel. Go to http://www.glrl.org.au and you can do it electronically. Dead easy!

  2. We’re here, we’re queer – and we will have the right to get legally married soon!

  3. . . . . I hope the Govt has not already got its platitudinous and meaningless answers ready for media release pending its long awaited ”inquiry”.
    . . . .i could be pessimistic and say the results will be politely patronising.