Pro gay marriage supporters (from left) Rebecca Waller, Dwayne Sibraa and Zoe Hadler, will walk down Baylis Street on November 30 supporting marriage equality in response to a walk being run by a non-denominational community group that believes in the traditional meaning of marriage.
Same-sex marriage advocates will stage their own peaceful rally to counter one organised by a non-denominational community group supporting traditional marriage.
Outspoken leader of the Christian Democratic Party and member of the NSW Legislative Council, Reverend Fred Nile, will be one of the speakers at the rally later this month.
His presence is likely to draw a passionate response from those who embrace gay marriage.
Mr Nile has been a strong supporter for marriage laws to remain unchanged.
The non-denominational community group has organised a Support True Marriage Day walk on November 30 from Bolton Park to the Victory Memorial Gardens to show its support for the traditional meaning of marriage between a man and a woman.
In response, Wagga gay and lesbian groups Momentum and Wagga Pride will also stage a peaceful walk to share their views on the issue.
Both groups will walk down opposite sides of Baylis Street on the day.
Concerns have been raised that tensions between the two groups could boil over, but all organisers have stressed they want nothing but a peaceful day to share their views.
Support True Marriage Day committee member Father Bradley Rafter said the walk was not about vilifying homosexuals.
He said it was about pinning a focus on the meaning of marriage.
“We do not hate homosexuals,” he said.
“The Christian teaching is that when it comes to same-gendered relationships we are to be compassionate, sensitive and respectful.
“We are walking to view beliefs on marriage and that we believe it should remain the way it is.
“We don’t want there to be any trouble; we are just hoping for a positive family friendly day.”
President of Charles Sturt University gay and lesbian group Momentum Tyson Arapali and president of Wagga Pride Naylan McDonell both say the counter-walk was not being staged to create a feeling of unease or hatred.
“We want to keep things neutral and don’t want to impose on them,” Mr McDonell said.
“We just want to use it as an opportunity to put forward our views to the community who may be sitting on the fence on the issue.
“It’s important for us when it comes to marriage equality because we believe laws shouldn’t be governed by a religious body.”
Mr McDonnell plans to contact the group organising the walk ahead of the event to pass on their well wishes.
“At the end of the day, I’d be happy to stand there with them and shake their hands on a successful march,” he said.
Following the walk, participants of the Support True Marriage Day will host an event in the Victory Memorial Garden with speakers including Mr Nile, Wagga Catholic Diocese ç and founders of the National Marriage Coalition Warwick and Alison Marsh.
News of the rally came in the wake of the a same-sex marriage bill being narrowly defeated in the NSW Parliament.
The bill went before the Legislative Council on Thursday afternoon and was defeated 21 votes to 19.
Mr McDonell said he was not surprised the bill was defeated, but said the close result showed how far the community had come in accepting marriage equality.
Photo: Addison Hamilton
Author: The Daily Advertiser
Publication: The Daily Advertiser
Date: 16 November 2013
Read the original article here