Press Releases
conscience vote maneuver
15-11-2011
Community Action Against Homophobia are outraged at Julia Gillard's statement today that the national ALP Platform should not support marriage equality and that she will be pushing for a conscience vote to be adopted on the issue at the ALP's national conference.
Ben Cooper, CAAH Co-convenor stated, "The only way for marriage equality to get up into the National ALP platform is for us to stand up in our thousands and demand that they vote yes at National Conference. Join us for a historic protest on December 3 at Sydney Hyde Park, 12pm as we march to the ALP's conference to tell them that the position espoused by Julia Gillard is simply not acceptable, and that we want marriage equality now.
"Our community having been fighting for marriage equality for the past 7 years. During this time LGBTI Australians have had to suffer discrimination every day, many have been diagnosed with depression and others have attempted suicide as a result of the negative signal that the ban on our right to marry sends to the wider community. You can not claim to be against homophobia when you are against equal rights. If Sydney City Council and Clover Moore can support our right to marriage, then why can't Julia Gillard and the ALP?"
Cat Rose, CAAH Co-convener added, "It has become crystal clear that a conscience vote has become the weapon of choice for those within the ALP who prefer to maintain discrimination. Because Mark Butler has made public statements arguing for the ALP to adopt wholesale support for equal rights, we have recently asked him to speak at our rally outside the ALP Conference. We hope to find more allies in the ALP willing to argue in support of this common-sense issue of civil rights and who will reject this conscience vote sellout."
Rally at 12pm
Saturday 3 December
Hyde Park North (Sydney)
March to ALP Conference
organised by Community Action Against Homophobia
Contact:
Cat Rose 0405 770 302
Ben Cooper 0434 082 229
rally at ALP conference
11-11-2011
Australian Marriage Equality,
New Mardi Gras,
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays and
Equal Love Melbourne
encourage supporters to rally for marriage equality at the ALP's Conference
City of Sydney Council passes motion in support of the rally and to fly
rainbow flags over the weekend
In the lead-up to a mass mobilisation for marriage equality at the ALP's Conference, prominent groups have put out messages encouraging their supporters to attend.
Rally at 12pm, Saturday December 3, Hyde Park North (Sydney) to march to
ALP Conference at Sydney Convention Centre.
Alex Greenwich, Convener of Australian Marriage Equality (AME):
"December 3rd is an opportunity to part of history inthe making. By adding
your voice of support at the rally you will be encouraging our supporters within
the conference to strive for a binding party policy for marriage equality"
Shelley Argent, National Spokesperson, Parents and Friends of Lesbians
and Gays (PFLAG):
"I think attending the rally is a prime opportunity for those who want to show
the delegates of the conference and ALP generally, that we are no longer
going to remain quiet about the issue of marriage equality. And, it’s time for
those who don’t normally have the opportunity to have a voice to be seen on
mass and to let the delegates see the faces of those affected directly by the
present discrimination in this country."
Pete Urmson, Chair of New Mardi Gras:
"This rally represents a one-time moment for our community. New Mardi
Gras encourages everyone to stand and united around for equality. This
day will be of monumental importance for our community, if we don't take a
stand on December 3 another chance to push for change could be a long time
coming. We look forward to showing that it is time for equal marriage rights."
Ali Hogg, Convener of Equal Love Melbourne:
"Poll after poll show that the majority of Australians support marriage equality
and it's about time our government followed suit. It's vital that we have a large
showing at the protest outside the ALP National Conference in December if we
really want to see the ALP change the marriage act. Discrimination is alive and
well in Australia and changing the law to be equal is necessarily to break it
down. A Conscience vote isn't good enough, marriage equality is a civil right
and should be granted with no questions asked."
City of Sydney Council passed the following motion on Monday, November
7, 2011:
It is resolved that Council:
A) call upon the Australian Parliament to amend the Marriage Act to
enable same sex couples to marry and to ensure that same sex marriages
solemnised overseas are recognised in Australia;
(B) call upon all political parties and individual Members of Parliament to
support these amendments;
(C) support the Rally for Marriage Equality planned for Saturday 3 December
by:
- promoting the Rally through the City’s media outlets and online presence;
- flying the Rainbow Flag from the Town Hall, and Rainbow banners where
practicable on Friday 2 to Sunday 4 December;
- and requesting staff to continue their good work in liaising with the Rally
organisers to ensure a safe, peaceful and successful rally.
Cat Rose, Co-convener of Community Action Against Homophobia
"It has been such a thrill to watch momentum and enthusiasm for this day grow.
Equal Love groups across the country have been organising their supporters
to make the trip and we continue to hear reports from individuals booking their
flights. The Labor Party are about to hear it loud and clear that we've had
enough of homophobia. We are looking forward to a history-making day."
Rally at 12pm
Saturday 3 December
Hyde Park North (Sydney)
March to ALP Conference
organised by Community Action Against Homophobia
Contact:
Cat Rose 0405 770 302
Ben Cooper 0434 082 229
