The Australian Democrats have expressed disgust at the findings of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee on the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill, which concluded the bill should not be passed and our homosexual citizens should be confined to their lesser status of equal, but not really equal.
'Enough is enough,' said National President of the Australian Democrats Julia Melland, 'no amount of extra measures for equality or nationally consistent legal recognition is going to excuse this blatant refusal to afford gay and lesbian couples true equality and the right to marry'.
'It is insane that we tolerate our Government continuing to perpetuate the myth that some forms of love are more deserving of legal and social recognition than others.'
The Marriage Equality Amendment Bill introduced by the Greens is almost identical to the bill introduced by former Democrats Senator Natasha Stott Despoja in 2006.
'In a week where they also couldn't manage to get to a vote on the CPRS to take a tiny baby step towards progress on climate change, the Senate should be hanging their heads very low. The Senate is failing this country and leaves us much less than inspired.' Ms Melland said.
Ms Melland said the Australian Democrats will continue to fight for full and unfettered equality for gay and lesbian Australians, in every way, including the right to marry. 'It's time for our leaders to get over their fears and prejudices and do what's right instead of what is electorally safe.'
Ms Melland encouraged all people who believe in equality and who want real leadership in this country to join rallies being held around the nation this Saturday November 28 in support of gay marriage.
* Canberra - 1pm, Garema Place, Civic
* Melbourne - 1pm, State Library
* Sydney - 1pm, Sydney Town Hall
* Brisbane - 1pm, Queens Park, City
* Perth - 2pm, Outside London Court
-Ends-
Contact:
Julia Melland
President, Australian Democrats
Julia.melland@democrats.org.au
Tel 0431 357 585
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