What: dinner with independents and marriage equality supporters from regional Australia
When: evening of Monday October 31st
Where: Australian Parliament House, Canberra
Who: Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott, Bob Katter, Andrew Wilkie, supporters of marriage equality from their electorates

Supporters of marriage equality from regional Australia will put their case to the Federal independents over dinner this Monday in Parliament House.

National Convener of Australian Marriage Equality, Alex Greenwich, said community members attending the dinner will be from all four electorates represented by independents in the House of Representatives and will tell their representatives why marriage equality will have a positive impact.

“Marriage equality is about affirming the importance of commitment, family and tradition, values which are particularly important in rural and regional Australia”, Mr Greenwich said.

“We look forward to talking to the independents about marriage equality, and are appreciative of the opportunity to include people from their electorates to help emphasise which this issue is important.”

Supporters of marriage equality from the independents’ electorates will include the mother of a gay son from Bob Katter’s electorate, a leading community figure from Tony Windsor’s electorate and a female same-sex partner from Rob Oakeshotte’s electorate.

The dinner will also be attended by national advocates for marriage equality including Rodney Croome (who is also from Andrew Wilkie’s electorate), PFLAG Spokesperson Shelley Argent, Daniel Witthaus (Who recently completed a national tour of regional and rural Australia) and Mr Greenwich.

Alex Greenwich said he looks forward to an open and respectful dialogue with all four independents.

The dinner was won by Australian Marriage Equality in a successful bid at this year’s parliamentary Mid Winter Ball. At the same charity auction advocacy GetUp! won a dinner with the Prime Minister, to be attended by 3 same-sex couples. The Prime Minister is yet to commit to a date for the event. The funds raised from both dinners have gone to a variety of children’s charities include Angle Flight.

For more information please contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.