Advocates have welcomed Governor-General Quentin Bryce’s support for marriage equality as part of her vision for a fairer Australia.
Delivering this year’s final Boyer Lecture, entitled Advance Australia Fair, the Governor-General said she looks forward to an Australia “where people are free to love and marry who they choose”.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“The Governor-General’s dignified support for marriage equality will be welcomed by the many millions of Australians who support the reform.”
“In particular, it will send a message to older Australians that this is a reform they can embrace because it strengthens relationships, families and marriage.”
“It is the role of the Governor-General to reflect community values, and by supporting marriage equality Quentin Bryce is reflecting the fact that a majority of Australians want same-sex couples to be able to marry.”
“The Governor-General has effectively declared marriage equality to be a litmus test for a fair and inclusive Australia and I think many Australians would agree with her.”
Mr Croome said the Governor-General’s statement is not unprecedented.
“One of the first Australian public figures to support marriage equality was Bill Hayden when he was Governor-General in 1995.”
Click here for a copy of Mr Hayden’s comments.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 22 November 2013