Released 17/08/2017
Today I will seek the support of the Legislative Assembly for the ACT Government to provide additional support to Canberra’s LGBTIQ community during the Federal Government’s postal survey, as well as join and actively participate in the campaign to achieve marriage equality in Australia.
I always have, and always will, support marriage equality. I am proud to say all ACT Labor MLAs do. We will take our support to the floor of the Assembly and seek the support of other Members. We do so because LGBTIQ Canberrans should have the same opportunities for love, commitment and happiness as everyone else.
As every Australian knows, the Federal Government is now intent on proceeding with a non-binding voluntary postal survey to determine the rights of same-sex attracted people. It is already proving to be a hurtful and divisive debate – forcing LGBTIQ Australians to endure an unnecessary debate about the validity of their relationships and families.
There are a number of very serious issues with this approach. To name just a few:
- It has been designed by people who don't want same-sex marriage to be legalised,
- It is a waste of $122 million,
- The Parliament will still have to vote on this issue anyway, regardless of the result.
The only politicians who will be influenced by the result of the postal survey are a faction of Liberals and a handful of Senate crossbenchers. Labor’s position is strong on this and it won’t change.
Consistent with the motion passed by the Assembly on August 10, the motion I will move notes the ACT Government will provide additional supports to the LGBTIQ community throughout the period of this postal survey.
The motion also reaffirms a fundamental principle that all Australians should be treated equally under the law.
To LGBTIQ Canberrans, I say this - you are not alone in the fight ahead. There is great strength in our argument that all Australians should be treated equally under the law.
We did not want to be in this situation; we did not want to have to engage in this divisive debate just to get equal rights. But now we are here, we must continue that campaign. Now is the time to make our voices heard.
I will be voting in favour of marriage equality and will be actively campaigning in favour of marriage equality. All of my ACT Labor parliamentary colleagues will be doing the same. We strongly encourage our fellow Canberrans to support equality, to support love over hate and to vote yes to marriage equality.
A copy of the motion is attached.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
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