In the mood for change

It is greatly encouraging that our leaders are increasingly seeing that equality for gay and lesbian people and their families is an issue of human rights which transcends party politics.

At our annual Sea of Hearts installation at Mardi Gras Fair Day, the GLRL was visited by no fewer than 17 members of NSW and federal Parliaments with representatives from the Labor, Liberal, National and Greens parties, as well as Independent MP Clover Moore, all showing their support for equality.

In Canberra this week we will see a similar display of support. Labor backbencher Stephen Jones is due to introduce his private member’s bill in support of marriage equality — the first time a member of a major party has done so. Independent Andrew Wilkie and Greens MP Adam Bandt will co-sponsor another bill, and a Senate inquiry sponsored by Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young is currently accepting submissions.

In highly promising news reported in The Australian, it seems Liberal backbenchers will also be granted a conscience vote on the issue.

It is amazing how far we have come in a few short months.

Legislative change alone, however, will not bring equality for our community. It is the hearts and minds of ordinary Australians which need to change — and they are.

This weekend NRL Grand Final referee Matt Cecchin revealed that he is gay. While it should come as no surprise to find gay and lesbian people succeeding in traditionally heterosexual domains, it is significant that Cecchin feels he has never been discriminated against because of his sexuality.

Until each one of us can say this, our job is not yet done.

While the GLRL is working hard to achieve marriage equality and to ensure adequate protection for our community in federal anti-discrimination laws, the work each one of us does in our own
lives and our own communities is just as important. Each one of us can make a difference by standing up for equality and affirming the dignity of who we are.

The GLRL is gearing up for a full Mardi Gras season of work and play, and we would love you to join us! Our launch night on Oxford St and the Sea of Hearts at Fair Day were great successes, thanks to the many wonderful volunteers who helped out.

We’ll be seeing you at the cloakrooms of Harbour and Box parties, and of course in the parade.

If you haven’t done so already, it’s not too late to join our float. Visit www.glrl.org.au to register.

By JUSTIN KOONIN, NSW GLRL