Council to lobby MPs to vote for reform.
Marriage equality advocates have praised Ballarat City Council after it last night unanimously resolved to support marriage equality and write to federal MPs urging them to vote for the reform.
Ballarat Council joins a number of other Victorian municipalities including Geelong City Council, Yarra City Council, Surf Coast Shire, Hepburn Shire and Moreland Council, which have all endorsed for marriage equality.
Ballarat councillor, Belinda Coates, who put forward the motion to last night’s Council meeting, was overjoyed the motion passed unanimously.
“It was terrific to have all Councillors present at our Council meeting last night vote unanimously in favour of publicly supporting marriage equality.”
“This sends a strong and unified message to our community about social inclusion and the importance of valuing relationships equally regardless of sex or gender identity.”
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, urged other councils to follow Ballarat’s lead.
“Local government has a key role to play in ensuring federal politicians hear the voice of the majority of ordinary Australians who support marriage equality.”
The motion passed after what Cr Coates described as “a heartfelt” address from a member of the Ballarat community who supports marriage equality.
Ballarat City Council will now write to Catherine King MHR and Senator Michael Ronaldson urging them to vote for marriage equality when it next comes before parliament.
Earlier this week Albury City Council passed a similar motion, as have councils across NSW and Tasmania.
The Ballarat motion is included below.
For more information contact Belinda Coates on 0417 456 513 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Marriage Equality Motion
That Council resolve to –
1. Publicly support marriage equality irrespective of sex or gender identity.
2. Writes to local Federal Members of Parliament and the Commonwealth Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission advising them of council’s support; and
3. Writes to all political parties with representation in the Federal Parliament encouraging them to prioritise debating changes to the Marriage Act and allow a conscience vote on marriage equality.
4. Advise the Municipal Association of Victoria of this resolution and the mayor of Byron Bay Shire
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 27 November 2014