2015-07-08
Giz Watson (Co-convenor) with assistance from June Lowe
I don't know what you were up to last weekend, but here in Perth a lot of us turned a blind eye to the weather forecast and ominous dark clouds and gathered to demand marriage equality... in fact a whole lot of us!
It was the biggest rally seen in Perth for a long time — estimates range between five and nine thousand — made all the more impressive by the fact that we all stayed put in the cold, drenching rain. There were many enthusiastic young people but also a comprehensive cross-section of the community: LGBTIQ, older people, straight friends and relatives. Speeches were many and passionate — particularly from our very own Senator Rachel Siewert!
People have become incredulous at Australia's tardiness in this movement: surely the time has come for us to catch up with countries like New Zealand, England, Nederland, Spain, South Africa, Canada, Sweden, Ireland and the USA — the list goes on... one senses the momentum is with us and it's now only a matter of time.
As it has been observed, “The tipping point is behind us, so there is now a different energy”.
The voices of the remnant opposition sound increasingly hollow as last straws are grasped: notional fears of displeasing our Asian neighbours seem as implausible as thunderbolts. In fact it's news to me that they're at all worried about how Australia will be viewed in Asia — as they shunt another boatload of asylum seekers back into Indonesian waters! (Find out which undecided MPs to lobby at the Australian Marriage Equality web site.)
It is curious to reflect on the social implications of marriage equality — that in its blend of conservatism and radicalism, the marriage debate unites people across the political spectrum and also generates introspection within religious organisations.
The 'Ireland effect', with its respectful style and support from prominent church figures set a jubilant tone and was rapidly followed by the hotly contested American High court decision overturning state bans on marriage as unconstitutional.
Then there is Pitcairn Island, a mere 48 inhabitants of the Outer Hebrides, which has also just changed its laws to embrace equal marriage — despite not having any LGBTIQ inhabitants. Partly this was a “why not?” response — as it now seems the normal thing to do — but also this statement of inclusion changes everyone else in a subtle but positive way, even if there is never a gay or lesbian wedding on the island.
It feels great to be a Green at these points in history when the arguments have played out and there is majority public support for correcting an ancient inequality. When we, alongside other community activists, have led the debate holding an unequivocal position and have drawn the campaign forward with our own legislation.
So now's the time to finish the job! Our LGBTIQ spokesperson, Senator Janet Rice, is working hard to ensure the necessary legislation passes the Parliament and we can all assist by signing our marriage equality petition.