Advocates welcome Albury support for reform.

Albury City Council will write to Liberal MP, Sussan Ley, urging her to vote for marriage equality.

The Council decision to lobby Ms Ley, whose electorate takes in Albury City, was made last night when it voted to endorse marriage equality following lobbying from community advocates.

Local marriage equality advocate, Toni Johnson, said she was over joyed by the outcome.

“I think it’s wonderful the councillors took the time to listen to community members.”

“This will increase pressure on Sussan Ley by making it clear to her that the community wants marriage equality to happen.

“I personally know 25 to 30 couples in Albury who would marry as soon as they are able.”

Australian Marriage Equality deputy director, Ivan Hinton-Teoh, who attended the Council debate, said,

“Voices for marriage equality are becoming louder right across the country with communities finding all manner of ways to let their MPs know the will of their towns and cities.”

“It was wonderful to see civic leaders stand up, one after another, speaking from the heart in support of their fellow LGBTI community members.”

“Marriage may be outside a Council’s jurisdiction but marriage discrimination impacts the people councillors live amongst.”

A number of other councils in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania have already endorsed marriage equality and written to MPs in support for the reform.

For a news report on the Albury City Council decision click here.

For more information contact Toni Johnson on 0408 993 308 or Ivan Hinton-Teoh on 0419 124 826.

Author: Toni Johnson
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 25 November 2014