Liberal candidate for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis, has called the marriage equality debate “a side issue” for the election, saying she is more focused on the economy and infrastructure.
An election-eve rally in Nowra will call on the new Member for Gilmore – whoever it may be – to support same-sex marriage in the new Parliament.
The Nowra Rally For Marriage Equality will begin at 11.30am tomorrow, when a chalk rainbow crossing will be drawn on the footpath near Junction Park.
Demonstrators will then march up the road to the office of Ms Sudmalis.
Ms Sudmalis said she would be out in the community at pre-polling booths tomorrow, but said protesters were “quite welcome” outside her office.
“I haven’t received a direct invitation to speak to them,” she said.
“This is really just a side issue. The biggest issue in Gilmore is unemployment, and that has been my entire focus, to develop job opportunities.”
Rally organiser Tobi Harris said the event was to raise awareness about the wishes of the gay community in Gilmore.
“The seat of Gilmore has been held by the Liberals for 17 years, and we want to remind them to stand up for the gay community,” Ms Harris said.
Labor candidate Neil Reilly and Greens candidate Terry Barratt have both expressed support for marriage equality legislation, while Ms Sudmalis has not.
“We want to put that pressure on her, to let her know we have a big LGBTI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex] community and to look after our rights,” Ms Harris said.
Mr Reilly said he would speak at the rally tomorrow, while a representative of Mr Barratt, and prominent gay rights activist Paola Harvey, will also address the gathering.
Ms Harris confirmed an invitation to speak had not been officially extended to Ms Sudmalis, but she was welcome to attend or address the rally.
“If she wants an invitation, she can have one,” Ms Harris said.
“She has an opportunity to speak if she wants it.”
Author: Joshua Butler
Publication : Illawarra Mercury
Date: 5 Sept 2013