The newly-formed Victorian branch of Australian Marriage Equality has set itself an ambitious program.

Victorian AME Convener, Carl Katter, said,

“Support for marriage equality has always been strong in Melbourne, and we aim to channel that support into more effective lobbying, advocacy and community organising.”

“Our first initiative is a marriage equality petition to state parliament and we’re planning for much more to come.”

“We will focus on grassroots organising because that seems to have been the key to the success of marriage equality in four states during the recent US election.”

Mr Katter said the group intends to:

  • lobby state MPs to support state marriage equality legislation;
  • co-ordinate campaigns in key electorates in the lead up to the federal election;
  • help co-ordinate marriage equality action groups and events in regional and rural Victoria similar to those in Tasmania.

The group has already had two meetings and welcomes new members.

Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome, welcomed the establishment of AME Victoria.

“In 2013 AME will continue to lobby MPs when they are in Canberra, but with a strong grassroots campaign that lobbying is much more effective.”

He said AME hopes to set up local chapters in other states in the New Year.

To download a copy of the AME Victorian petition, click here.

For more information call Carl Katter on 0414 288 525 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.