Rallies are being held across the nation from 13-14 August 2011 to mark the 7th anniversary of the ban on same-sex marriage.
On 13 August 2004, or “Black Friday” as it was called, the Howard Government with the support of the Labor Opposition passed amendments to the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) to specifically define marriage as: “the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”
This decision blocked any legal avenue for same-sex couples who had been married overseas to have their marriages recognised in Australia. It also stymied any prospect of having the legal meaning of marriage expanded by the courts.
Supporters of marriage equality around Australia will take to the streets from 13 – 14 August 2011 to commemorate this sad anniversary by rallying for change and celebrating the dignity and equality of same-sex relationships.
Events are happening in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra.
To find out what’s happening in your capital city, click here.