A network of more than 90 LGBTI organisations and leaders across the nation have today signed a joint statement calling on supporters of marriage equality in the parliament to unite and work together to find a pathway to achieve marriage equality in this term of Parliament.

Australians for Equality, Co-Chair, Anna Brown said, “Now that the Senate has rejected a plebiscite, its important that the collective views of LGBTI people around the nation about the way forward to achieving marriage equality are heard.

“Our united statement calls on the leaders of all the parties to meet to determine a way forward that will deliver marriage equality through a parliamentary vote as soon as possible.

“We also call on our politicians to publicly affirm that this is a reform that will be decided by the Parliament, and the divisive plebiscite will not be resurrected in the future.

“We make this call not only on behalf of LGBTI communities and their families, but to ensure future generations of LGBTI Australians can grow up knowing they are equal to their peers under the law.

Co-Chair of Australian Marriage Equality, Alex Greenwich has congratulated all the groups and individuals across the nation on their ongoing efforts to achieve marriage equality.

“The last 12 months has been a particularly frustrating time for the LGBT community, I commend the groups and individuals who have worked so tirelessly in their own communities to achieve marriage equality.

“We are happy that the conversation can now finally move away from the plebiscite to the actual legislation that can achieve this reform.

“We know that the majority of Australians and parliamentarians support this reform, we now have the national infrastructure, momentum and energy to achieve it.

“We now have an amazingly positive campaign that will focus on the people this reform impacts and their stories, we encourage everyone to join The Equality Campaign,” Mr Greenwich concluded.

 JOINT STATEMENT https://www.australianmarriageequality.org/2016/11/09/joint-statement-three/

 MEDIA: Clint McGilvray 0413 285 186 or Mike Fairbairn 0448 524 731

Additional Quotes:

“We note that neither of the main parties are now bound to a vote on marriage equality, and it is now time for the parliament to achieve this important reform so the nation can move forward. We are hopeful marriage equality will take place this term through a parliamentary process. Pete Black, QLD Convenor, Australian Marriage Equality

“We have come together to ask the parliament to respect the LGBTI community and the Australian public by coming together and finding a parliamentary pathway to marriage equality. Dr Justin Koonin, President, ACON

“Marriage Equality is about the lives and aspirations of ordinary Australians and it’s important that our parliamentarians hear what LGBTI people want moving forward. Michele Davis, PFLAG WA

“If all members of Parliament were able to vote freely according to their conscience and the proven wishes of a clear majority of Australians, we would be able to finally celebrate our country achieving this historic reform.  Chris PycroftCo-convenor, NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby