In lobbying for equal marriage rights, entertainer Tracy Bartram will join Victoria’s Equal Love protest rally on August 13, marking the seventh anniversary since the Howard Government amended Australia’s marriage laws discriminating against LGBTI people.
The comedian says it’s about time Australia followed other countries and jurisdictions in ending discriminatory marriage laws.
“We live in the greatest country in the world. Our lifestyle is second to none. Yet we are far behind other countries like Canada, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, and Sweden when it comes to recognising that same-sex couples fall in love and want to commit to each other,” Bartram said.
Equal Love was thrilled when Bartram agreed to speak at the upcoming rally.
“What better person to host the event than a strong, opinionated woman such as Tracy Bartram who really knows how to stick it to the man (so to speak),” Melbourne Equal Love Convenor Ali Hogg said.
Hogg said the August rally is particularly significant in terms of preceding the national ALP conference to be held later this year.
“In the lead up to the ALP National conference where marriage equality will be debated, we want to get the message out loud and clear at our upcoming protest that homophobia and discrimination is not welcome in Australia and therefore the laws in place that perpetuate this homophobia should be gotten rid of. I think Tracywill do a great job at helping us to get this message out!” Hogg said.
Bartram said it was time politicians cast aside old prejudices in favour of public rallying around the issue:
“Why are we allowing our elected officials to ignore the huge lobbying in support of this issue? Personally, I've had two husbands and three marriages, and marriage for me has lost its lustre. But I don't see why the GLBTI community should be excluded from marrying just because it's 'always been that way'” she said, adding, “And let’s face it – nobody does ‘wedding’ better than a gay or lesbian couple!”
Bartram said she was proud to join the rally and declare her support for the issue.
“We could all learn a little … a little more tolerance, a little more acceptance, and a little more tub-thumping to show our government that this issue will not go away.
“I am sad that this is even an issue in 2011. I'm very much looking forward to the rally on August 13th,” Bartram said.
Victorian Rally Details: Rally and Mass Illegal Wedding Saturday 13 August, 1pm State Library of Victoria, City.
For Comment: Ali Hogg 0403 019 430
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