The City of Sydney Council has officially declared support for marriage equality and has called on the Federal Parliament to amend the Marriage Act to enable same-sex couples to marry.
The resolution, introduced by Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, also included a declaration of support for the upcoming marriage equality rally outside the Labor Conference. The motion was passed unanimously with the support of Labor and Liberal-aligned councillors.
Australian Marriage Equality, National Convener, Alex Greenwich has welcomed the City’s initiative:
“Not only does this accurately reflect the huge support for same-sex marriage in Sydney, it also has sends a powerful message of hope to the majority of Australians who want to see marriage equality happen”
“We call on other local government areas to follow Sydney’s lead and endorse full equality for same-sex couples.”
Mr Greenwich pointed out that Australia’s largest city is represented at all levels of government by supporters of marriage equality including Federal Government Cabinet Minister and member for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek, whose electorate survey found 80% of her constituents support reform. (details here)
In a statement to the Council the Lord Mayor said:
“Loving gay and lesbian couples are still denied the certainty and formal public recognition of their relationships that only marriage can provide… A claim bandied about is that denying same sex couples the right to marry is essential to protect marriage. That is like the illogical claim last century that women had to be denied the vote to protect democracy”.
The resolution reads as follows:
It is resolved that Council:
A) call upon the Australian Parliament to amend the Marriage Act to enable same sexcouples to marry and to ensure that same sex marriages solemnised overseas arerecognised 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:
(i) promoting the Rally through the City’s media outlets and online presence;
(ii) flying the Rainbow Flag from the Town Hall, and Rainbow banners wherepracticable on Friday 2 to Sunday 4 December; and
(iii) requesting staff to continue their good work in liaising with the Rallyorganisers to ensure a safe, peaceful and successful rally.
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335