As part of the Federal Press Gallery’s Mid-Winter Ball Charity Auction, GetUp and Australian Marriage Equality bid for and won dinner at The Lodge with Julia Gillard – a prize they will give to couples in same-sex relationships, to make the case for marriage equality.
The Prime Minister has set the date of February 21st, 2012, for the dinner,
“Over 750 GetUp members chipped in to fund the dinner with Julia Gillard, hoping that hearing directly from same-sex couples would encourage the Prime Minister to recognise their relationships are no less valid than those whose love can be celebrated through marriage,” GetUp Marriage equality campaigner Paul Mackay said.
“We’re excited a date has finally been set and the Prime Minister will have those conversations before the legislation is voted on early next year.”
“The dinner was billed as a ‘unique opportunity for corporate Australia’, but instead the Prime Minister will be forced to make the case as to why these couples cannot have their relationships recognised in the same way other Australians do.”
“The Prime Minister like many Australians is continuing the conversation on marriage equality,” Australian Marriage Equality National Convenor Alex Greenwich said.
“We look forward to sharing with her the important meaning marriage has to us, our families and our communities”
“We also look forward to addressing any concerns the Prime Minister may have about the proposed legislation and give her the assurance that we share her concern and respect for the freedom of religion”
Proceeds from the auction went to charities: Big Bangs, Angel Flight, The Click Foundation and Working Wonders.
For further information or comment:
Paul Mackay on 0415 182 402 or Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335