In an Australian first, marriage equality advocates have met Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, to put their case for reform.
At Parliament House this evening the Prime Minister met a range of advocates for reform to hear their views and to answer their questions about her stated opposition to the issue.
It was the first time an Australian Prime Minister has formally met advocates for marriage equality.
Attending the meeting were former Australian Medical Association President, Kerryn Phelps and her wife, Jackie Stricker-Phelps, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) national spokesperson, Shelley Argent, Australian Marriage Equality (AME) campaign director, Rodney Croome, and same-sex mental health specialist, Paul Martin.
Professor Phelps and Mrs Stricker-Phelps said they told the Prime Minister about the pain of not having their overseas marriage recognised in Australia and gave her letters written by their children about the need for equality.
Professor Phelps said, “I am very pleased we have opened a dialogue with the Prime Minister and hope to continue to talk to her about this issue”.
Mr Croome emphasised the importance of marriage equality as a way of promoting inclusion and participation in family life and told the Prime Minister she has a historic opportunity to make Australian a more just and equitable nation.
“In response to reports that the Labor Party may adopt a conscience vote on marriage equality before the National Conference has a chance to deal with the issue in December, the Prime Minister gave us an assurance there will be a debate on marriage equality at the National Conference”, Mr Croome said.
Mr Martin spoke to the Prime Minister about the link between mental health, internalised homophobia and the inability to marry.
“I felt Ms Gillard listened respectfully and seemed to take on board what I was saying. She accepted information about marriage equality and mental health from a recent statement by the American Psychological Association.”
Mrs Argent said the meeting was a great opportunity to let Ms Gillard know the importance parents put on the issue of marriage equality for their sons and daughters.
“I felt Ms Gillard listened and we gave her another perspective on an issue that not only affects couples but their families and friends.”
“The meeting gave me hope that if the National Conference is positive on this issue she won’t stand in the way of marriage equality being presented to Parliament.”
A photo taken at the meeting is included below. Right to left: Kerryn Phelps, Jackie Stricker-Phelps, Rodney Croome, Julia Gillard, Shelley Argent and Paul Martin.
For more information contact Prof Phelps on 0418466 499, Shelley Argent on 0409 363 335, Paul Martin on 0419 005 555 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
