Archive for October, 2010
Walk in the wind
It’s that time of year again when public events come thinck and fast. For Sydneysiders who live around the eastern suburbs, Sculptures By The Sea, the annual outdoor exhibit that features hard art inspired by connection to the sea or coast, is on again along Bondi. Bring a jacket, it’ll be windy.
Petition for another go at SSM
Ah, the Greens. Good on ya. Please sign the petition (sign it, whether you think marriage is a good idea or not is irrelevant in this case).
Reintroducing the Marriage (Equality) Amendment Bill
This afternoon I reintroduced my Marriage (Equality) Amendment Bill into the Senate.
The Bill seeks to remove discrimination from the Marriage Act and give same-sex couples the right to marry.
The Greens believe that same-sex couples should have the same rights as other couples to celebrate their love and commitment through marriage. A majority of Australians support this.
Countries including Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Spain, South Africa, Mexico and many states in the United States now recognise same-sex marriage. The sky hasn’t fallen in there and we know it won’t here in Australia.
While both major parties continue to be opposed to marriage equality, a majority of the Australian community are not. It is time for the community to have its voice heard on this important issue in our Federal Parliament.
Please add your name to this petition calling on Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott to give the members of the Labor and Liberal parties a conscience vote on marriage equality.
You can also download a copy of the petition to print out and get additional signatures for us to send to Ms Gillard and Mr Abbott.
To the Honourable Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives, and the Honourable President and Members of the Senate in Parliament assembled. The Petition of the undersigned draws to the attention of the Parliament the overwhelming public support for marriage equality. We believe that Australians should not be discriminated against in marrying the person they love on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity. We note that countries including Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Spain, South Africa, Mexico and many states in the United States now recognise same-sex marriage. The sky hasn’t fallen in there and we know it won’t here in Australia. Your petitioners therefore request the Parliament to urge the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader to grant their members a conscience vote on this important issue.
