COMMUNITY ACTION AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA MEDIA RELEASE 20th July 2006 |
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COMMUNITY ACTION AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA MEDIA RELEASE 20th July 2006 |
CALL TO ACTION: EQUAL RIGHTS FOR SAME SEX COUPLESNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION, 13th AugustAt least six cities and three locations in rural Australia are protesting against homophobia on August 13. Under the banner of "Equal Love Rights For All" forty-two groups have endorsed this second National Day of Action, taken to commemorate the 2004 ban on same-sex marriage which was passed with bipartisan support by the Liberal and Labour Parties. The first NDA, taken place in 2005, held actions in five cities. "In the lead up to the marriage ban same-sex couples were called "moral terrorists of the 21st century", "psychologically disturbed" and "unfit to raise children" noted Rachel Evans, National Union Students National Queer Officer. "We demand equal same-sex marriage, civil and defacto rights. Full equality, nothing less," she concluded. "In 2006 the Federal government took the ban on same-sex marriage one step further with the Australian Capital Territory's ban on civil unions. This might be followed by the Federal banning of state same-sex civil unions," predicted Alex Day, co-ordinator of Rebellion. Ben Cooper, organizing the event in Lismore noted "fighting homophobia has to step up a notch. A recent Aids Council Of New South Wales (ACON) survey in the Northern Rivers found of the 185 participants, 53% of people reported discrimination or harassment due to their sexuality with 23% reported harassment and discrimination by neighbours. The ban on marriage and civil unions emboldens the bigots that threaten our safety and pride. We are pleased to be part of this national event" summarised Cooper. Simon Margan from Community Action Against Homophobia (CAAH) in Sydney said "Rates of homophobic violence are increasing across Australia. We need to combat this through an active, vibrant movement that fights homophobic laws and its horrific side-effects. Grass roots campaigns are essential to force politicians to listen. Most polls show support for same-sex marriage in the wider community." "Formal relationship recognition is essential to achieve social equality and legal security for loving same-sex couples and their families. It's time for legal discrimination to end, and for same-sex couples to be treated with full equality." Noted Melbourne's Equal Love Rights Organiser, John Kloprogge. VICTORIA Melbourne: 12:30pm with MidWinta vows at Parliament House Spring Street. Reception at CBD venue. John 0422 913 942 NEW SOUTH WALES Sydney: 1pm Taylor Square with marriage ceremony Hyde Park Nth. Reception at Kinselas. Simon 0438 637 037 Blue Mountains: Brin 0407 494 022 Lismore: 12:30 Sphinx Park with mass wedding. Reception at Winsome. Ben 0438 211 520 Wagga and Dubbo: Alex D 0439 730414 SOUTH AUSTRALIA Adelaide: 1pm Parliament House. Mel 0437 528 650 WESTERN AUSTRALIA Perth: details to be confirmed. John 0400 249 962 TASMANIA Hobart: details to be confirmed. Rodney 0409 010 668 ACT Canberra: Parliament House 12-2pm. Morgan 0417 257285
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