FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
14 August 2005
Sydney Rally Attracts 1500 for National Same Sex Marriage Campaign
A rally for equal
marriage rights in Sydney yesterday (August 13)
attracted a crowd of 1500 starting at Taylor Square
and marching down Oxford Street, to the Archibald
Fountain in Hyde Park.
The marchers made a
colourful sight as they followed a large rainbow
flag. Many of the marchers carried pink heart-shaped
balloons representing committed, loving same sex
relationships. Among the marchers were many straight
people from the suburbs offering their support.
This rally was
Sydney's contribution to the national day of action
to mark the one year anniversary of amendments to
the federal Marriage Act which banned the
recognition of overseas same sex marriages and
defined marriage in Australia as exclusively between
one woman and one man.
"All committed
loving relationships deserve recognition and support
from the government and the community", said Sydney
branch convenor of Australian Marriage Equality,
Malcolm McPherson.
"Many fair minded
people in the community support the legalisation of
same sex marriage and an end to all discrimination
based on sexuality".
The formation of a
national gay and lesbian rights advocacy group,
Australian Coalition for Equality, was also
announced yesterday. This group will focus on
federal issues of inequality. (coalitionforequality.org.au)
