Advocates for marriage equality will tell tomorrow’s parliamentary hearing on same-sex marriage that Australia has a historic opportunity to become a more equal and inclusive nation.
Tomorrow in Sydney, legal, religious and community leaders will tell a House of Representatives inquiry into marriage equality why they support or oppose the reform.
The hearing comes as a letter signed by sixty clergy supporting marriage equality has been released.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said his message to the inquiry will be that now is the time for reform.
“The majority of Australians support this reform and an even larger majority think it is inevitable – it’s time for the nation to resolve this issue once and for all”, Mr Greenwich said.
“The current inquiry has a historic opportunity to move this issue forward by recommending a reform that will benefit families, communities and the economy, which will make Australia a more equal and inclusive nation, and which has no cost to any one.”
Mr Greenwich said witnesses supporting reform will highlight the positive impacts on families and on mental health.
“A substantial body of research shows that when same-sex couples are allowed to marry there is broad benefits to their families and to society, especially in terms of better mental health.”
“We will be doing our best to highlight these benefits at tomorrow’s hearing.”
Meanwhile, sixty ordained clergy have signed a letter calling on members of the public to express their support for marriage equality to the inquiries currently being conducted into the issue by Parliament. A copy of the letter can be read here.
Mr Greenwich said,
“These Clergy, like many people of faith, support this reform because they value fairness, equality, and love.”
Tomorrow’s hearing will be held in the Macquarie Room in the NSW Parliament from 10am to 5pm. From 4pm Australian Marriage Equality, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays and the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby will appear. Speakers will include Alex Greenwich, Prof Kerryn Phelps, Rodney Croome, Mrs Shelley Argent, Senthorun Raj and Justin Koonin.
Speakers in favour of the reform will be available for photos between 3:30pm and 3:50pm in the Parkes Room at NSW Parliament.
The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee is also conducting an inquiry into the issue.
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.