A new book on marriage equality aims to look beyond the slogans to the deeper questions the issue raises and the people it affects.The book, titled From This Day Forward: marriage equality in Australia, is written by the national director of Australian Marriage Equality and 2015 Tasmanian of the Year, Rodney Croome.
Mr Croome says he hopes the book will inform people new to the issue as well as those who already support it.
“My aim is to answer the questions many Australians are asking, such as why are we debating marriage equality, why does it matter and how will it be achieved.”
“Along the way I look at broader issues including the evolution of marriage and gay identity, the historical struggles of Australian minorities for the freedom to marry and what Tasmania’s marriage equality debate says about the Island.”
The book puts the case for marriage equality and critically examines arguments against the reform from the right and the left.
It also looks at the debate surrounding marriage equality in Australia; tracing it origins back many decades, evaluating the different paths to marriage equality and focussing on what role everyday Australians can play in achieving the reform.
Along the way Mr Croome illustrates his case with personal stories from same-sex partners, their family members and friends.
“Too often the marriage equality debate gets lost in abstractions so I wanted to ensure my case is grounded in the experience of the people most affected.”
From This Day Forward: marriage equality in Australia will be available in bookshops from this week. Copies can be ordered online from the publisher, Walleah Press.
To order, click here: http://bit.ly/1IDz5T6
All profits from the sale of the book go to Australian Marriage Equality.
Endorsements of From This Day Forward are included below, and a copy of the front and back covers are attached.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Rodney Croome’s advocacy for equality has always been patient and generous of spirit. This book about why Australia needs marriage equality is no exception. Like Rodney, I look forward to the time when it’s no longer necessary to explain why all Australians should be treated fairly. Until then, keep this informative and valuable book close at hand.
Bob Brown
former Australian Greens leader
In this timely book Rodney Croome reminds us that marriage equality is not just an issue for the gay community or the political left. It is something all Australians can unite in support of.
Christine Forster
Councillor, City of Sydney
Without people like Rodney Croome having the courage to show us where inequality continues to exist in our community, nothing would change. Through this book and his work as an advocate for law reform, Rodney makes a compelling case for marriage equality. He reminds us all as to the important role we play as citizens in determining the sort of society we want to live in and the power of progressive law reform in helping to deliver that outcome.
Lara Giddings
Tasmanian Premier, 2011-14
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 11 June 2015