Organisers of Tasmania’s first Marriage Equality Beach BBQ, held in Hobart on Sunday, have hailed the event “a great success” with over 200 people attending. (See photos here and here: credit Rafael Manzanilla)
Event organiser Helen Richardson said the popularity of the event shows marriage equality has strong community support.
“Today’s BBQ sent a message to Upper House members, particularly Jim Wilkinson in whose electorate the event was held, that marriage equality has strong support across the community.”
“Supporters of marriage equality are saying loud and clear to Legislative Councillors who voted against the legislation, that we are in 2012 not 1912!.”
“It’s time all Tasmanians, regardless of sexual orientation, are able to marry their life partner.”
Speakers at the BBQ included Hobart Alderman, Helen Burnett, local resident, mum and same-sex partner, Jo Richardson, Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome and Rainbow Labor spokesperson, Robbie Moore.
Ms Richardson spoke about the overwhelmingly positive response she received from appearing in a pro-marriage equality newspaper advertisement in the lead up to the Upper House debate on the issue in September.
Mr Croome reminded the crowd that Premier Lara Giddings has promised to re-introduce the Same-Sex Marriage Bill next year, and said marriage equality supporters will continue to advocate for reform up until the legislation returns.
Ms Burnett said Tasmania’s strong marriage equality movement shows how inclusive and state is becoming.
Mr Moore announced a marriage equality protest outside the office of Upper House member, Vanessa Goodwin, on December 19th.
Both Jim Wilkinson and Vanessa Goodwin voted against the State Government’s Same-Sex Marriage Bill.
Ms Richardson and Mr Croome cut a special Rainbow wedding cake while BBQ goers enjoyed sausages, hamburgers and marriage equality cupcakes.
For further information phone Helen Richardson on 0408 108 885 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.