Media Release

Wednesday November 30th 2016

 

NEW WEBFORM WILL ALLOW MARRIAGE EQUALITY SUPPORTERS TO CALL FOR #BESTMARRIAGEBILLEVER 
AUSTRALIANS URGED TO OPPOSE BROADENING MARRIAGE EXEMPTIONS AGAINST LGBTI PEOPLE

 

Advocates have urged LGBTI Australians and their allies to write to a newly-established Senate inquiry urging it to endorse the best marriage equality bill ever.

 

The Senate today voted for an inquiry into the marriage equality bill put forward by the Government in conjunction with the now defunct plebiscite.

 

The bill includes exemptions that allow discrimination against LGBTI couples by civil celebrants and faith-based organisations that won't be allowed against heterosexual couples.

 

Just.equal spokesperson, Ivan Hinton-Teoh said,

 

"We have set up a webform that makes it easy for LGBTI people and our allies to write to the inquiry in support for the best marriage equality bill ever."

 

"We oppose the government's intent to broaden legal exemptions to allow discrimination specifically against LGBTI couples but not other couples."

 

"We also want a marriage equality bill that will make it clear that marriage is open to all partners regardless of gender, sex and sexual orientation."

 

"This is a historic opportunity for everyday Australians to contribute to what could be the best marriage equality bill ever."

 

The inquiry is expected to take submissions for the rest of 2016 and report early in 2017.

 

For the new webform go to: www.equal.org.au/bestmarriagebillever