2018-11-14
The first anniversary of the ‘Yes’ vote is a cause for celebration, but we must acknowledge the harm that the unnecessary postal survey had on LGBTIQ+ people and communities, say the Greens.
“I’m so delighted to be celebrating the anniversary of the ‘Yes’ vote, the day we knew that Australians voted for love and we would finally have marriage equality in this country,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens LGBTIQ+ spokesperson.
“But we must also acknowledge and remember the harm the postal survey caused LGBTIQ+ people, our families and our communities.”
“The historic 'Yes' vote and the achieving of marriage equality was the result of decades of tireless campaigning by brave community leaders and activists.”
“While Labor and Liberal spent years and years denying LGBTIQ+ people our rights, the Greens were working with LGBTIQ+ leaders and activists, fighting for recognition of our relationships and families.”
“The Greens have always stood by LGBTIQ+ people and we always will.”
“We know the fight for LGBTIQ+ rights is not over. We have a long way to go, with the current battle to remove discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in religious schools, simply because of who they are."
"The Greens will not rest until we remove every discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people in our laws and in our society."
Senator Rice and Labor Senator Louise Pratt are co-sponsoring a motion to be introduced to the Senate on Thursday 15 November to celebrate and mark the anniversary of the ‘Yes’ announcement. The motion also calls on parliamentarians to continue to work to end discrimination against LGBTIQ+ Australians and their families in all areas of their lives.
“We should use this anniversary as a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together. Discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people remains in our laws, and I call on all our elected leaders to again work together to end this discrimination.”
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Notice of Motion
I give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move that the Senate –
- Notes that:
a. November 15 marks the one year anniversary of the announcement of the resounding yes vote in the marriage laws postal survey;
b. This resounding yes vote is something to be celebrated, as is the passing of marriage equality in Australia;
c. The postal survey in itself is not to be celebrated, as it was opposed by the majority of LGBTIQ+ Australians and caused a lot of harm to LGBTIQ+ Australians and their families;
d. The historic yes vote and the passing of marriage equality was the result of decades of tireless campaigning by brave community leaders and activists; and
e. Marriage equality is not the end of the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ Australians and their families, many of whom still face discrimination in their daily lives.
2. Calls on all Parliamentarians to:
a. Continue to work to end discrimination against LGBTIQ+ Australians and their families in all areas of their lives.