Equal Love welcomes "ALP Clash" on same sex marriage but we need to keep fighting!

Equal Love welcomes “ALP Clash”

Equal Love Melbourne welcomes the “clash” in the ALP over the issue of same-sex marriage. Senior MPs Richard Wynne and Bronwyn Pike have stated their support for equal rights for gay and lesbian couples; candidate for the federal seat of Melbourne Cath Bowtell has now also come out in support of same-sex marriage. Cath Bowtell has agreed to speak at the National day of Action in August in Melbourne.

The fact that some members of the ALP are prepared to speak against the party’s formal position is testament to the ongoing pressure that the Equal Love campaign has applied.

Julia Gillard, however, has reaffirmed that she believes marriage should remain an institution between an man and a woman to the exclusion of all others. National Union of Students Queer Officer and Equal Love member Kath Larkin stated:

“Being unmarried, an atheist and a woman clearly do not determine the content of someones politics; the Prime Minister has shown that she is equally capable of presiding over homophobic laws as the Liberal Party.”

Why Same sex marriage is so crucial in 2010
The issue of same-sex marriage is crucial. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people are 2nd class citizens under the current laws. The prohibition on same-sex marriage sends a message that LGBTI people are abnormal; their relationships inferior.

Keeping this law in place contributes to suicide, depression and homelessness.

Thousands to attend protest against Same sex marriage ban
Equal Love are expecting thousands to attend a protest and mass LGBTI wedding on August 14, marking 6 years since the Howard government altered the marriage act to prohibit same-sex marriage.

Ali Hogg - Equal Love publicity officer and recent {ALSO} LGBTI volunteer of the year award winner - said:

“Julia Gillard has provoked anger by expressing her homophobic opinions. Thousands are set to hit the streets and give her a piece of their minds. Six years of this ban is 6 years too long.”