Labor’s candidate for Robertson, Ms Anne Charlton, has brought over 600 Central Coast residents together to send a clear message of support for the “Yes” Campaign for Marriage Equality.
“I support marriage equality and this event provided an opportunity for Coastie’s to join me in supporting the rights of all Australians to marry the person they love,” Ms Charlton said.
“Gay and lesbian members of our community do not wish to diminish marriage, in fact they wish to participate in the same powerful union that many of us enjoy.
“We have created a beautiful rainbow of support on the iconic Terrigal Skillion.
“I am heartened by the hundreds of families who have joined me in this statement of love,” she continued.
“Like many in our local community, I believe marriage equality should have been legal years ago.
“The lack of leadership by some in our Federal Parliament to act now and legalise marriage equality has been disappointing to many locals who only wish to marry the one they love.
“I have enjoyed a wonderful marriage with my husband Brett.
“For us, marriage is a powerful union of love and support for each other.
“Barring members of our community from the same opportunity to express love for the person they care most deeply about is unreasonable.
“Over the past few weeks we have heard some ‘No’ campaigners wishing to colour this debate by insinuating that marriage equality is an undermining influence on marriage as an institution.
“The truth is that marriage equality is quite the opposite.
“Gay and lesbian members of our community do not wish to diminish marriage, in fact they wish to participate in the same powerful union that many of us enjoy.
“Everyone deserves to marry the person they love.
“It is for these reasons that I urge every member of our community to vote ‘Yes’ for marriage equality.
“If you have not received your survey and would like the opportunity to participate; please call the Australian Bureau of Statistics on 1800 572 113.
“Let’s embrace this wonderful opportunity to make our community an even better place to live, work and raise a family,” Ms Charlton concluded.
Source:
Media release, Oct 3
Anne Charlton, Labor’s candidate for Robertson