Same-sex marriage support at an all-time high
After Tasmania paved the way to become Australia’s first state to legalise same-sex marriage, there is a groundswell of support to see NSW move in the same direction.
While NSW Parliament is yet to offer any indication they support the move, the Premiers of Tasmania and South Australia have indicated they will legislate for same-sex marriage regardless of what Federal Parliament
does. Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings is leading the charge, aiming to make it legal by the end of 2012.
Support for same-sex marriage is building, with a recent poll showing public support for same-sex couples at an all-time high of 64 per cent, up another two percent since 2011.
The National Day of Action for Marriage Equality, held at Town Hall on Saturday, reiterated the increased support for same-sex marriage, with 1000 people in attendance.
Vice-President of PFLAG Capital Region, Ivan Hinton said: “The recent record-high support shows that the more we talk about equality for same-sex
couples, the less prejudice exists.
“What we hope to achieve with this nationwide rally is to maintain pressure on local Government representatives and use it as a platform for future projects.”
Mr Hinton said a new advertising campaign is underway for people to understand the family values inherent in same-sex couples.
“This ad is pushing to remind Australians that family values do not exclusively belong to particular groups in society. We too have strong family values,” he said.
To be married as a same-sex couple, currently people must travel overseas to places where it has been legalised.
Various implications exist for these couples when they return to Australia.
Sydney resident Michael Zapanta-Stockham said it would provide improved rights and status if same-sex couples could be married in Australia.
He said: “My partner and I had to go to Iowa to be married, but when we returned to Australia it was not recognised. My husband is not even my
next of kin. If something were to happen to me, he would have no rights.
“Even with things like getting our names changed on credit cards and other documents, some banks will not allow us our new last name even though we are married and have a certificate to prove it.”
Mr Zapanta-Stockham said it is time same-sex couples were treated the same as everyone else, and is happy with Premier Lara Giddings’ push for equality.
“It is great that people are pushing for diversity and equal opportunities. It’s about time that the world catches up and realises gay people are just the same as everyone else.”
