A series of marriage equality events in Albury in the last weekend of July has begun to shift the views of a federal MP.
Local groups, Hume Phoenix and Equal Love, partnered with Australian Marriage Equality to conduct an information booth in the main street, forums and workshops (for photos, click here, credit Peter Charlesworth).
The events highlighted recent research by the Liberal Party’s own pollster, Crosby/Textor, which found support in the local electorate of Farrer is actually higher than the already high national figure of 72%.
In response Liberal MP, Sussan Ley, told the Border Mail she wants to hear from constituents on the issue. Earlier this year Ms Ley said on the ABC’s Q&A program that didn’t believe her electorate was ready for marriage equality.
Hume Phoenix convener, Toni Johnson, said the message from the weekend was about ensuring supporters of marriage equality have their voices heard.
“We collected signed postcards, skilled people to tell their personal story and are generally making sure Sussan Ley knows her electorate is behind marriage equality.”
“It was an empowering weekend for marriage equality supporters and we’re already planning plenty more events.”
Australian Marriage equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“It’s great to see Sussan Ley shifting her response on marriage equality but there’s still more work that needs to be done.”
“We will return to the Farrer electorate soon to encourage more support among businesses and local councillors, both in Albury and Broken Hill.”
Mr Croome said one of the most poignant moments from the weekend visit was support from local Anglican Archdeacon, Fr Peter McLeod-Miller.
“Fr Peter invited us to his church where we given a round of applause by the congregation.”
“It was a sign to me that the community has made up its mind on marriage equality and is just waiting for politicians to catch up.”
For photos from the weekend, click here (credit: Peter Charlesworth).
For more information contact Toni Johnson on 0408 993 308 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 4th August 2014