Marriage equality advocates have welcomed Victorian local council Surf Coast Shire’s successful motion in support of marriage equality overnight.
All nine councillors spoke in favour of marriage equality and the vote passed with five votes in favour and three against.
The three ‘no’ votes were from councillors who, while in favour of the reform, claimed it was not council business.
Deputy director of Australian Marriage Equality Ivan Hinton said,
“Everyone has a part to play in achieving marriage equality and I’m delighted Cr Eve Fisher’s motion was successful.
“In Australia, local councils are the closest level of government to the lives of citizens and it’s vitally important that councils demonstrate their communities are inclusive.”
“The Surf Coast Shire has now clearly stated the aspiration of the majority of their residents who support equality for all. This will further demonstrate to Sarah Henderson that support is strong and growing.”
Sarah Henderson MP recently called on the community to show that the Corangamite electorate was supportive of marriage equality.
Cr Rose Hodge, the Mayor of Surf Coast Shire, said “I’m ecstatic with the result. I have been supporting same-sex couples living on the Surf Coast for many years and I am very proud of this result.”
Local campaigner Sharyn Faulkner said,
“There are a lot of people in the electorate who strongly support the issue and we encourage them to meet with Sarah Henderson. With the backing of The Surf Coast Shire and The City of Greater Geelong, who previously pledged their support, I am sure Sarah Henderson will understand that we are not going away until there is marriage equality for everyone.”
For more information contact Ivan Hinton on 0419 124 826 or Sharyn Faulkner on 0409 558 673.
Author: Ivan Hinton
Publication: Media Release
Date: 27th August 2014