Australian Democrats recommit themselves to the fight for same sex marriage

PRESS RELEASE:

The Australian Democrats have recommitted themselves to fighting for gay and lesbian Australians to have the right to marry.

National President of the Australian Democrats, Julia Melland backed up comments from Tasmanian President James Irvine that the Australian Democrats will keep fighting hard for same-sex marriage. "The Australian Democrats worked hard to help make being gay legal in Tasmania and we’ll keep working until all LGBTI Australians have full equality - including the right to marry," Ms Melland said.

The comments followed news of a new party in Tasmania that will oppose same-sex marriage and other 'trendy' policies.
"There is no justification for keeping Australians oppressed or as second class citizens on the basis of sexual orientation, the majority of Australians support gay marriage, and it does not impact anyone else's life at all if a same-sex couple are married. In short, I think it is time for those opposed to get over it and stop telling others how to live their lives."

"Our position on same-sex marriage is backed up by all of our 5 core beliefs - freedom, equality, sustainability, representation and responsibility. This is one fight we won't back away from and one of the reasons we are working so hard to rebuild the Australian Democrats."

The Australian Democrats began an intensive rebuilding process last year which included the re-establishment of the Tasmanian Division in December. Ms Melland said that while all policies of the party are under review, the LGBTI Equality policy position is likely to be stronger than ever before once the new policy is formulated.

"The surge of new members and energy in the party in recent months has emboldened those working on the policy review and we look forward to restoring the Australian Democrats position as forward thinkers, leading the way with inspiring and ambitious policy. I expect that the revised LGBTI policy will demand nothing less than full equality - including marriage - and for those rights to be extended now."

The Australian Democrats respect the fact that some religious communities may have reservations about gay marriage. Under no circumstances will the party support religious communities being compelled to sanction gay marriages, as that would be as much a violation of their rights as the current prohibition on same sex marriage is to gay and lesbian Australians.

Contact: Julia Melland
President, Australian Democrats
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Tel 0431 357 585

http://www.democrats.org.au