Child of same-sex couple urges Turnbull to drop plebiscite
A young Melbourne woman raised by a same-sex couple has written to Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, urging him to drop plans for a plebiscite on marriage equality and allow a free vote in Parliament instead.
In her open letter, Georgia Weymouth Large, wrote that during a plebiscite campaign,
“There will be advertisements that deem our families “un-natural” and the children of same-sex couples “disadvantaged”. There will be a substantial amount of abuse and harassment from people who do not want to see the plebiscite go in favour of marriage equality.”
“I have no doubt that the months and weeks leading up to the plebiscite will destroy lives. Not only those who feel personally attacked but also their loved ones who will be left with the bitter reminder that the leaders of their beloved nation let such a brutal debate cause harm to so many.”
The full letter is included as an attachment.
In a letter responding to Ms Weymouth Large, a spokesperson for Attorney-General, George Brandis, wrote that “the Government does not condone any form of speech which incites hatred”.
A photo of the Government’s letter is attached.
Ms Weymouth Large appeared on the ABC current affairs program, Q&A, last month where she made the same point.
Link here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-01/georgia-weymouth-large-question-on-qanda/7209304
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, welcomed, Ms Weymouth Large’s letter saying,
“In the ever-growing chorus of opposition to a marriage equality plebiscite, it is vital we hear the voices of the children of same-sex couples.”
“They remind us that not only that marriage equality is good for tens of thousands of Australian families, but that a plebiscite will potentially cause these families great harm.”
Responding to the Government’s disapproval of hate speech, Mr Croome said,
“I welcome the Government’s dim view towards hate speech, but the best way to limit the negative impact of hatred is to avoid a plebiscite altogether by going to a free vote instead.”
Georgia Weymouth Large: 0487 096 581
Rodney Croome: 0409 010 668
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 6 April 2016
