Marriage equality advocates say they are disappointed Norfolk Island will be robbed of its right to enact marriage equality legislation.
The Federal Government has decided to abolish the Island’s Assembly, and its capacity to make its own laws.
In September last year a marriage equality bill was introduced into the Norfolk Island Assembly, and was hailed by islanders including Cam Christian, gay descendant of Bounty mutineer, Fletcher Christian.
Australian Marriage Equality deputy director, Ivan Hinton-Teoh said,
“We are bitterly disappointed that Norfolk Island will be deprived of the right to pass its own laws, including a law for marriage equality.”
“The marriage equality law before the Norfolk Assembly was an excellent opportunity for Norfolk MPs to send a message of inclusion and affirmation to gay and lesbian islanders, but now that opportunity is lost.”
“The Norfolk bill was inspired by the Island’s unique culture of family, community and inclusion.”
“Removing the capacity of Norfolk Islanders to express these culture values is an attack on their identity”.
“Norfolk Islanders and same-sex couples share an aspiration to be free to run our own lives without the federal government telling us what to do.”
Many Norfolk Islanders are descended from Bounty mutineers who were moved there from Pitcairn Island.
For more information contact Ivan Hinton-Teoh on 0419 124 826 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Cam Christian and his partner Paul Gilmore showing their support for marriage equality on Norfolk Island (Cam is on the right. He is a descendent of Fletcher Christian).
Author: Ivan Hinton-Teoh
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 19 March 2015
Image: Frank Farrugia from Same Love photography