Thousands are turning out in Australia to call for same-sex marriage, as its Federal Parliament prepares to debate the reform next week. In Brisbane yesterday, more than 5,000 people attended a rally at Queens Garden. It was kicked off with Dykes on Bikes revving up the crowd, before a march to the CBD. The Veronicas address the Brisbane rally Those gathered called an "Equality Calling" hotline and left a message for Tony Abbott. Lisa Origliasso from girl band The Veronicas spoke, saying “I hate to say it by Australia is still sadly standing behind the rest. The right for two souls of any shade or contrasts to be joined in a union should never be prohibited by any trivial or archaic law.” She continued: "Now is the time for us to get loud. Now is the time for us to kick and scream for human rights. The right to be you. The right to me. To put it simply, we stand hand in hand with our loved ones today, unified to send a message to this great nation, that we are here to make this country better. "We are here for love, pure and simple. Who you love is none of the government's God damn business." In Hobart, 1,500 people packed Hobart City Hall, with the crowd so large it flowed out onto the street. The Hobart Rally (Australian Marriage Equality) They heard from Tasmanian celebrities, leaders and advocates, including Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey, Aria award winner Monique Brumby and My Kitchen Rules star Matt Newell. The audience also heard from Nick Outterside, who spoke about being raised by two mothers and the death of one before they were able to marry. Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman has also supported the Federal Government allowing federal MPs a free vote on the issue. "Ahead of the introduction of a cross-party bill this week, the rally sends a strong message to federal parliament that Tasmanians want marriage equality,” says Australian Marriage Equality national director Rodney Croome. Today, rallies are being held in Sydney and Perth. Melbourne and Adelaide rallies will happen next Saturday. "#WeCanDoThis" campaign In Canberra, Australian Marriage Equality will launch a nationwide campaign for marriage equality titled "#WeCanDoThis". It’s released a TV campaign as part of it, with a series of 30 second ads where Australians from all walks of life express their strong support for marriage equality and calling on federal parliament to stop delaying this important reform. New Zealand actress Danielle Cormack features in one of the ads Among the celebrities involved is New Zealand actress, star of prison drama Wentworth, Danielle Cormack. Another Aussie-based New Zealander showing their support in the videos is Rev Dr Margaret Mayman, a strong voice in the New Zealand marriage equality debate in her time as Senior Minister at Wellington's St Andrew's on the Terrace. She is now at the Pitt St Uniting Church in Sydney. Margaret Mayman is also backing the campaign The ad campaign coincides with Parliament resuming from the winter break and with a cross-party marriage equality bill likely to be lodged on August 11, and a subsequent debate in the ruling Coalition party room on allowing its members a free vote on the issue. "Our ad campaign showcases the diversity of support for marriage equality with farmers, football players, priests and parents all coming together to urge Canberra to embrace marriage equality" Rodney Croome says. "The ad also highlights the key values behind marriage equality - love, commitment, family and fairness. "Support for marriage equality has never been stronger and with the cross-party bill to be introduced this week we have never had a better chance to achieve the reform. "With support from the community and from across the Parliament we can do this."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 9th August 2015 - 10:59am