Marriage equality advocates have welcomed the announcement today that Andrew Barr will stand unopposed for the position of ACT Chief Minister to be decided next week.
Australian Marriage Equality deputy director and ACT resident, Ivan Hinton-Teoh, said,
“It’s an historic moment for the Territory and the nation to have Andrew Barr set to become Australia’s first openly-gay head of government.”
“It sends the message to young gay Australians that they too can aspire to the highest offices in the land and not be limited by old stereotypes and prejudices.”
“But it’s a disgrace that someone who is soon to have the responsibilities of being Chief Minister still does not have the right to marry his partner.”
Sunday will be the first anniversary of the first same-sex marriages in Australia under the ACT’s Marriage Equality Act championed by Andrew Barr but struck down by the High Court five days later.
31 couples were married under the short-lived law.
For more information contact Ivan Hinton-Teoh on 0419 124 826.
Author: Ivan Hinton-Teoh
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 5 November 2014