100 marriage equality supporters braved chilly weather in Hobart on Wednesday evening to send a pro-equality message to those attending a church meeting against same-sex marriage at the University of Tasmania.
Protesters at the “Vigil for Equality” held up photos and personal stories of same-sex couples who wish to marry, as well as banners declaring LOVE, FAMILY, COMMITMENT = MARRIAGE EQUALITY and IF YOUR MARRIAGE NEEDS SAVING I KNOW A GOOD COUNSELLOR.
About 250 people attended the “Save Marriage” meeting at the University which was convened by the Presbyterian Church and addressed by Jim Wallace from the Australian Christian Lobby and Liberal Senator Guy Barnett.
In one spirited exchange a meeting-goer loudly asked those at the Vigil “what about the children?”, to which equality supporters responded “they want their families to be treated equally”
Same-sex couples who are legally disadvantaged in areas like immigration because they cannot marry were interviewed by local and national media representatives.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said the Vigil sent a powerful message that discrimination in marriage affects real people.
“The Vigil highlighted the human face of marriage equality and showed those attending the anti-equality meeting exactly who it is they are discriminating against”, Mr Croome said.
Tasmanian University Union Sexuality Officer, Alex West, said she was pleased with the turn out on such a cold, windy evening.
“The spirits of those who came to the Vigil were high because they know they represent a majority of their fellow Tasmanians and Australians”, she said.
Ms West read out a letter of support from Tasmanian Greens Leader and Government Minister, Nick McKim, while Mr Croome acknowledged other Tasmanian MPs who publicly support marriage equality including former premier, David Bartlett, current premier, Lara Giddings and Senators Carol Brown and Christine Milne.
Apart from Senator Barnett, politicians attending the anti-equality meeting included Senator Eric Abetz, and state Liberal MPs, Elise Archer and Jaquie Petrusma.
Some people attending the Vigil participated in the meeting asking questions of the speakers against marriage equality.
For a report from the Hobart Mercury, click here
For a report from ABC Radio National, click here
Photos of the Vigil are included below. Photo credit, Tracey Wing.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668 or Alex West on 0400 663 842.
