Last night saw politicians and prominent Australians, from both Brisbane and from across Australia, converge to hold a forum in support of marriage equality at New Farm Uniting Church.
The event was hosted by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and Australian Marriage Equality (AME). Speakers included Sydney City Councillor and Tony Abbott’s sister Christine Forster, Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson, the Anglican Dean of Brisbane Rev Dr Peter Catt, and AME national director Rodney Croome. Psychologist Paul Martin, PFLAG parent Dr Janet Berry, researcher Dr Sharon Dane, and community member Mrs Kath Trotter also spoke at the event.
Politicians from across the political spectrum were represented, with speeches by Grahm Perrett MP, Teresa Gambaro MP, and a letter from Senator Larissa Waters read out.
The forum was held inside the New Farm Uniting church, with the church’s Reverend Chris Holden and some of his parishioners in the audience to show their support.
Rodney Croome referred to today being the tenth anniversary of the 2004 amendment to the Marriage Act that prevented same-sex marriage and recognition of same sex marriages from overseas.
Speaking of recent Crosby Textor research showing 72 per cent of Australians support marriage equality, Croome said “The debate is largely over.”
“The community has made up its mind.”
Croome stressed a cross-party conscience vote, which is supported by almost 80 per cent of Australians, was essential for a marriage equality bill to become law.
Christine Forster said marriage “… speaks to your community, friends and family … about the special relationship you have with your partner” who you have “chosen to be your family”. Forster said she and her fiance Virginia want to be able to stand up in front of their family and friends and have that acknowledged.
Forster commenting on the views of her brother, Prime Minister Tony Abbott, said “we agree to disagree” on marriage equality.
Forster said the Prime Minister’s view has shifted, and if the Liberal Party members requested a conscience vote on marriage equality, her brother would grant it.
Forster said “My brother is a very good Liberal and a very good leader of the party and if that’s what the party tells him that’s what he will accept.”
Urging people to talk to all our Labor and Liberal MPs, Forster said we show that marriage equality will “strengthen not weaken Australian society”. Politicians need to know “it won’t do them any damage to support marriage equality.”
Rev Dr Peter Catt believes marriage has evolved over the years, saying “I don’t think God gives two hoots about societal order, about the exact structures, as long as people are pursuing justice.”
“Marriage is the rite through which we publicly honour and celebrate love – I support it being open to all.” Catt said.
“Because if love is the guiding principal to how we are to live, then there really isn’t much room, if any room at all, for other hard and fast rules or structures.”
Catt adds “Always ask – is it loving? If it is, it’s good. This is the only test. This is why I support equal marriage.”
Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson said governments could can legislate for secular marriage, leaving religious marriages to the churches: “They could compete and people could choose which one they want based on the standards set around them.”
He said marriage was not a human right, but “marriage is, however, a civil right. Civil rights are those gifted by society, such as the principle of non-discrimination and universal health care.”
Wilson said a human rights principle relating to marriage was equality before the law. “So as long as the civil right of marriage exists, it must be open to all people equally.”
Wilson said “If we can hold high office in this country we should be able to get married.” adding “If we don’t let parents choose who we can marry why do we let the government do this.”
Commenting on the “slippery slope argument” that legalising same sex marriage will lead to polygamy, Wilson said “Homosexuality is not a choice. Polygamy is.”
Mrs Kath Trotter, married for 30 years and mother of 3 adult sons and 3 grandchildren says same sex marriage doesn’t threaten her marriage at all: “How can it affect the integrity of my marriage or family values? The only people who can do that is my husband and myself.”
“Who am I – or any of us – to deny another couple the right to marry?” Trotter said.
Trotter said LGBTIQ people contribute equally to society and deserve equal rights: “When will our humanity override our prejudices?”
PFLAG parent, grandparent and Christian, Dr Janet Berry, spoke of how she treats her four children equally, including her youngest son who is gay: “I don’t think of him as gay – he’s just Simon. I look forward to Simon’s marriage if that’s what’s he wants.”
Berry says the federal Marriage Act treats homosexuals as inferior second class citizens and fuels discrimination: “My son is not inferior and he is not second class.” said Berry.
Commenting from a Christian perspective, Berry comments: “In the eyes of God everyone has value. If Mr Abbott is truly a Christian he should show justice and mercy to all in Australia.”
A recurring theme from politicians and other speakers was the need for mainstream supporters to contact their MPs across the political spectrum calling for their support for marriage equality in Parliament.
Attached photo for media articles (courtesy of Anthony Smith): Some of the speakers at last night’s Brisbane forum.
For further photos click here.
For more information contact Shelley Argent on 0409 363 335 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: Media Release
Date: 13th August 2014