VGLRL (Victorian Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby)
MEDIA RELEASE, 15 August 2006

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION A BIG SUCCESS ... BUT THE LAW HAS NOT CHANGED YET

The Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby's National Day of Action for same-sex relationship recognition sent a loud and clear message: same-sex couples want their relationships recognised equally in law.

The day was a greater-than-expected success with more than 2,000 people on the steps of the Victorian Parliament to support 55 couples in a commitment ceremony in sunny and celebratory conditions.

SPEAKERS

Numerous political speakers spoke in support of the event, including Federal MLA for Melbourne Lindsay Tanner, State MLA for Prahran Tony Lupton, Independent state MLC Andrew Olexander, Victorian Senator Lyn Allison, preselected Liberal candidate Clem Newton Brown, preselected Greens candidate Sue Pennecuik, and Sam Brown from a coalition of Christian Ministers who support same-sex unions.

NATIONAL UPDATE

Similar events in cities around Australia attracted sizeable crowds including over 1500 in Sydney, 300 in Perth, 150 in Hobart, 150 in Adelaide, 150 in Lismore, 40 in the Blue Mountains, an action in Wagga Wagga, and a seven-car cavalcade in Brisbane. The event received wide media coverage on television news bulletins, broadsheets and the internet.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Yesterday's event was a fantastic focal point for the campaign, but we still await a commitment by the Bracks Government to legislate to recognise same-sex unions. There is also no immediate prospect of federal relationship recognition.

THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW

We need your help to maintain pressure on politicians, educate the community, and keep our message alive in the public debate.

1) WRITE A LETTER TO THE NEWSPAPERS

Write a letter to the newspapers highlighting the discrimination and inequality you face. Click here for editors' addresses.

2) BECOME A FINANCIAL MEMBER OF THE VGLRL

It costs only $20 a year (full) or $5.50 (concession) ???. This may be the best investment you make for your future security and happiness! Click here for a membership details

3) BECOME A LOBBY VOLUNTEER

There are many ways to contribute to the lobby. It's a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and make a positive contribution to the community. For more information send us an email expressing your interest.

4) TELL FRIENDS TO JOIN OUR E-LIST

Just send an email to replies@vglrl.org.au with "Subscribe" in the title.


TGLRL MEDIA CONTACTS (For further comments contact)
John Kloprogge 0422913942jpkloppy@hotmail.com [ VGLRL Convenor ]