[Greens-Media] Greens to join the Equal Love rally in support of equal rights and IDAHO - Pennicuik

[Amanda.Sharp at parliament.vic.gov.au]

Thursday 15th May 2014

Greens to join the Equal Love rally in support of equal rights and IDAHO 

Victorian Greens spokesperson for LGBTI, Sue Pennicuik MLC, will be 
joining the Equal Love rally in Melbourne this Saturday on the 
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).*

Greens deputy leader and federal member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt MP, will 
be speaking at the rally.

"It is ten years since the Howard government infamously amended the 
federal Marriage Act 1961 to define marriage as between a man and a 
woman," Ms Pennicuik said.

"I've been joining thousands of people at these rallies since then to 
stand against this blatant discrimination and in support of full equal 
rights for all. 

"The Greens have also been fighting for marriage equality with bills in 
federal and state parliaments," Ms Pennicuik said. 

In WA, the Greens are introducing same-sex marriage legislation better 
built to resist a High Court challenge and could become the first state to 
pass same-sex marriage legislation. 

"Now, that a Federal cross-party committee has been established, it's time 
for Tony Abbott to allow a conscience vote on equality. If that happens, 
then there is a good chance of achieving Marriage Equality in Australia 
which is long overdue," Ms Pennicuik said.

With same-sex marriages now being performed in countries such as the UK, 
Wales and New Zealand, Greens Senator Hanson-Young has introduced a bill 
in the Senate that would give legal recognition to international same-sex 
marriages in Australia.

"It is important that Australia achieves marriage equality, not only 
because it will mean any two persons who wish to have their loving 
relationship recognised by marriage will be able to do so, but also as an 
important symbol against homophobia and transphobia," Ms Pennicuik said.

For further comment: Sue Pennicuik ? 0409 055 875 / 03 9530 8399

* IDAHO falls on 17 May each year and commemorates the decision by the 
World Health Organisation in 1990 to take homosexuality off the list of 
mental disorders. IDAHO is now celebrated in more than 60 countries across 
the world and support is steadily growing.


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Parliament of Victoria                                                                                                                    . 

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