THOSE speaking out for marriage equality were disappointed yesterday to hear an anti-marriage equality sign erected in Wynyard Tasmania had been vandalised.
Australian Marriage Equality spokesman Rodney Croome said the vandalism did nothing for the marriage equality cause.
“I strongly condemn this vandalism because the way to achieve marriage equality is to build bridges within the community, not further polarise it,” Mr Croome said.
“Supporters of marriage equality have a strong case, which is undermined when we are seen to be bullying and silencing others,” Mr Croome said.
Ace Motors part-owner Scott Allsop said on Tuesday the sign should be “torn down”.
However, while he thought the sign had no place in the Wynyard community, he certainly did not agree with the vandalism.
“Vandalising a sign is illegal,” Mr Allsop said.
“We are trying to make peace, not war.
“The vandals have taken it too far,” Mr Allsop said.
Mr Allsop also pointed out that it wasn’t the person who put up the sign that cleaned up after the vandalism.
“The council spent hours cleaning up [yesterday] and who pays for it? We do [as ratepayers],” Mr Allsop said.
Greens Member for Braddon Paul O’Halloran also spoke out against the vandalism of the anti- marriage equality sign.
“I know that many people are angry about the message on this billboard, but vandalising it is not right and will only add to community division over the issue,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“Intolerance needs to be confronted at every level, but this type of behaviour is not the answer.
“What’s needed now is understanding, compassion and community unity,” Mr O’Halloran said.
Author: Aryelle Sargent
Publication: The Advocate
Publication Date: June 7 2013
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