Marriage Equality update

Submitted by Louise Sales on Mon, 22/08/2011 - 15:20

Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC has contacted WA Coalition MPs today to urge them to support amendments to the Marriage Act removing discrimination of same sex couples. In an email before Wednesday's debate she said:

Dear MHR/Senator
I ask that you speak out in the Parliament this Wednesday in support of same sex couples. I also ask that you support the Greens amendment to the Marriage Act.

There is widespread support for this change, not only among people who identify as gay or lesbian, but also among their families, friends and work colleagues.

As a representative of the South Metropolitan Region in the WA State Parliament I am an advocate for equal marriage rights because my constituents support this and because it is the right thing to do.

I hope that the passage of this Bill will end discrimination on the basis of sexuality in all its forms. In spite of significant equal opportunity law reforms, young people continue to be bullied for being lesbian or gay. Teachers and health professional continue to suffer discrimination and workplace bullying. The fact that equal marriage rights are denied to people in same sex couples sends a signal that condones mistreatment in society based on sexual orientation.

I urge you to demonstrate leadership in this debate and speak out in support of equal marriage rights.

Regards
Lynn