By MEGAN OGLE
THE Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has passed a motion, calling on the Federal Government to legalise same-sex marriage.
The motion was introduced at ALGA’s National General Assembly by Darwin’s Lord Mayor Katrina Fong Lim and Geelong councillor Jan Farrell on Wednesday 22 June.
Calling on the government to update the Marriage Act to achieve marriage equality, the motion highlighted the need for same-sex attracted people in Australia to be respected.
“This National General Assembly calls on the Federal Government to treat with dignity and respect all members of the community regardless of gender or sexuality by supporting changes to the Marriage Act to achieve marriage equality for same sex couples,” the motion read.
The ALGA is the national voice of Australia’s local government, representing 560 councils across the country.
Community advocates have welcomed the passing of the motion, including local equality advocate and Queensland Senate Candidate for the Australian Sex Party Robin Bristow.
“The Australian LGBTI community has witnessed the results of homophobia and intolerance in the shocking events that happened recently in Orlando, Florida. Some members of our community are now living in genuine fear since this event,” he said.
“We therefore welcome this announcement from the ALGA for their support for marriage equality.”
Although Noosa Council was not part of the motion, Mayor Tony Wellington said the council agreed with ALGA’s decision to support marriage equality.
“Our collective support for ALGA’s intentions concurs with our desire for a tolerant community that shuns discrimination on the basis of gender, sexuality, age, ability, race or religion,” he said.
If Australia’s current government is re-elected on 2 July, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has committed to holding a plebiscite on marriage equality, a vote Mr Bristow says is unnecessary.
“It is our concern is that the hate mongers and bigots will come out in force during the proposed plebiscite on marriage equality,” he said.
“We know the majority of Australians support marriage equality and we call on the Turnbull government to abandon this unnecessary and divisive plebiscite and give us marriage equality now.”
