AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Marriage equality advocates have hailed President Barack Obama’s support for full gay equality in his inaugural speech, saying it directly challenges Australia’s national leaders to do the same.
Mr Obama, who declared his support for marriage equality last year, said,
“We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall … Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law – for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.”
According to Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Rodney Croome,
“President Obama not only supported full equality for gay people, he placed this firmly within the context of the long struggle for equality and freedom that defines US and western history.”
“The message to Australia’s political leaders is that by opposing marriage equality they oppose the foundational, democratic values of societies like our own.”
Mr Croome said President Obama’s speech is an inspiring moment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) people around the world.
“The speech will give great hope to GLBTI people, especially those in Africa, Asia and the Middle East who live in fear of being gaoled or executed.”
“Mr Obama has positioned not only himself, but also his nation, as the defender of their fundamental right to life and liberty.”
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.