Today marks ten years since the Howard government amended the Marriage Act, officially banning marriage between same sex individuals.
The 2004 amendement not only prevented same sex marriages in Australia but also the legal recognition of Australian marriages overseas.
Australian Marriage Equality has reported that support for marriage equality has risen from 38% in 2004 to 72% in 2014.
Last night a number of prominent marriage equality supporters held a forum in Brisbane at New Farm Uniting Church.
The event was hosted by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and Australian Marriage Equality (AME).
One of the speakers including Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s sister and Sydney City Councillor Christine Forster.
Christine Forster said marriage “… speaks to your community, friends and family … about the special relationship you have with your partner” who you have “chosen to be your family”. Forster said she and her fiance Virginia want to be able to stand up in front of their loved ones have that acknowledged.
Forster said herself and her brother “agree to disagree” on the issue of same sex marriage, but that Mr. Abbott would allow a conscience vote if it were requested by Liberal Party members.
“My brother is a very good Liberal and a very good leader of the party and if that’s what the party tells him that’s what he will accept.” she said.
Reverend Dr. Peter Catt also spoke:
“I don’t think God gives two hoots about societal order, about the exact structures, as long as people are pursuing justice.” he said.
“Marriage is the rite through which we publicly honour and celebrate love – I support it being open to all. Because if love is the guiding principal to how we are to live, then there really isn’t much room, if any room at all, for other hard and fast rules or structures.”
“Always ask – is it loving? If it is, it’s good. This is the only test. This is why I support equal marriage.”
Human Rights Commissioner also spoke, suggesting governments legislate secular marriage, leaving the availability of religious marriages open to the church.
“They could compete and people could choose which one they want based on the standards set around them.” he said.
Wilson said marriage was not a human right, but “marriage is, however, a civil right. Civil rights are those gifted by society, such as the principle of non-discrimination and universal health care.”
“If we can hold high office in this country we should be able to get married. If we don’t let parents choose who we can marry why do we let the government do this.”
Mrs Kath Trotter, married for 30 years and mother of 3 adult sons and 3 grandchildren says same sex marriage doesn’t threaten her marriage at all: “How can it affect the integrity of my marriage or family values? The only people who can do that is my husband and myself.”
“Who am I – or any of us – to deny another couple the right to marry?” she said.
