Marriage equality advocates Nathan Thomas and James Argent organised a marriage equality rally in Manly on Saturday 18 May to call for a conscience vote from local member and Federal Opposition leader Tony Abbott.
“The Liberal party is the party of individual freedom and minimal government and here we have the Leader of the Liberal party Tony Abbott dictating to his party members how they should vote on a important human rights reform. His position goes against everything the Liberal party stands for” said Nathan Thomas.
The Cremorne resident said he was “puzzled why anyone especially the leader of the Liberal party would want to deny loving committed same sex adults from making a lifelong commitment to each other and calling that commitment a marriage”.
On the rally Nathan said “James and I were really impressed with the number of people who came out in support of marriage equality today. We had a crowd of over 100 people which exceeded our initial expectations. We both came with our parents to show that Marriage Equality is about family. It not only impacts gay and lesbian Australians, but our families and friends too”.
“It was great to see the diversity of people in attendance. We had parents of gay and lesbian Australians, gay and lesbian couples, singles and everyday Australians who came in support of equal marriage rights. As I worked my way around the crowd, I realised there we many heterosexual couples who gave up their Saturday morning to show their support for gay and lesbian Australians. It was a great feeling to have such wide spread support”.
“We had residents from all over the electorate – from Neutral Bay to Dee Why and they came along with a sign showing their support. The energy with really positive and uplifting” Nathan said.
“Many residents thanked James and I for organising the rally because they wanted to get involved in the fight for equal marriage rights but just didn’t know how”.
Nathan and James intend on organising their next rally in July and urge everyone who supports equal marriage rights to make contact with the group.
“You can keep up to date with the movement for equal marriage in Warringah by emailing equalitynathan@iinet.net.au or through our facebook page Lower North Shore Marriage Equality Alliance http://www.facebook.com/groups/192417147503357/”.
“Marriage equality is sweeping across the developed world. In the last few months we have had equal marriage legislation pass in New Zealand, France, Uruguay, bringing the number of countries allowing same sex marriage to 14. There are several other countries that are in the process of legislating this change. The momentum is unstoppable. The longer Tony Abbott fights this important reform the harsher history will judge him” says Nathan.
Photo supplied by Rod Sparks