Weddings Protest Unequal Marriage Laws
Demonstrations in support of same-sex marriage drew huge crowds in Melbourne and Sydney on August 1 as part of the National Day of Action for marriage equality. 5,000 people armed with rainbow flags, balloons and ‘Equal Love’ signs gathered in Melbourne’s Federation Square before marching through the city to the Victorian Marriage Registry where 65 couples took part in an illegal same-sex marriage ceremony. A similar demonstration saw 2,000 people gather at Sydney’s town hall and march to the Australian Labor Party National Conference at Darling Harbour, where 80 same-sex couples tied the knot illegally. Demonstrations were also held in Brisbane and Canberra, with the total number of couples taking part in the illegal marriage ceremonies estimated at 200 nation-wide. Despite the impressive turn-out, the ALP voted against changes to the marriage act during the national conference. GLBTI rights campaigners have vowed to continue the fight for marriage equality.
Federal Parliament hosts National Marriage Day
While GLBTIQ groups will be marking the fifth anniversary of the federal ban on same-sex marriage with nation-wide protests and demonstrations, conservative Christian groups are planning to celebrate the occasion with a new event titled ‘National Marriage Day’. The Australian Family Association will celebrate the occasion with a breakfast in Federal Parliament’s Great Hall, at which one high-profile married couple will be chosen as National Marriage Day Ambassadors. Queensland youth organisation, Restore Integrity and Sexual Ethics will present a report on the institution of marriage from a youth perspective.
No Boys Allowed – Pinkalicious
Regular Melbourne event, Pinkalicious has won a VCAT exemption which will allow them to turn men away and create a women-only party space. Spokesperson, Julie Mackenzie says that while Pinkalicious will be Australia’s first exclusively female-only event, targeted at the gay-female community it will aim to be as inclusive as possible. ‘While targeted at the lesbian community, anyone who is female-identifying is welcome at Pinkalicious. It is an event for women of all shapes, sizes, orientations and tastes,’ Mackenzie told Southern Star. There are currently three venues in Melbourne that are exclusively men-only after receiving VCAT exemptions.
The Feds Investigate Same Sex Marriage
The Rudd Government has launched a Senate Inquiry into same-sex marriage following the introduction of a private members bill by Greens Senator, Sarah Hanson-Young. If passed, the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009 would allow same-sex couples to marry and recognise same-sex marriages from other countries. Submissions can be made to the inquiry until August 28 through the Australian Marriage Equality website: www.australianmarriageequality.com. ‘The response to this inquiry has been overwhelming, but there are still many supporters of equality who have not raised their voices, and this extension of time is their chance to have their say,’ said AME spokesperson, Alex Greenwich, in a statement.
Mardi Gras Chair to Stand Down
New Mardi Gras, the organising body for the Sydney Mardi Gras parade and accompanying festival will be holding their AGM on August 9, with current chair, David Imrie saying he will not seek re-election to the position. Imrie said that despite recent criticism over plans to change the format of Mardi Gras, he had enjoyed his time in the position and is proud of the organisation’s achievements.
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