|
Thousands joined to plant a heart for equality in the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby’s Sea of Hearts at last Sunday’s Mardi Gras Fair Day. The event drew further support from 23 local, state and federal politicians from across the political spectrum that planted a heart or sent a message of support. They included Shadow Attorney General Kelvin Thomson, Tanya Plibersek, Anthony Albanese, Kerry Nettle, Carmel Tebutt, Clover Moore, Penny Sharpe, Lyn Allison, Natasha Stott-Despoja and north Queensland Liberal MP, Warren Entsch.
Marking the event with a keynote speech, former Big Brother housemate, David Graham, called on the community to up the pressure on all “parliamentarians and wannabe parliamentarians” in this double election year. Spokesperson for the GLRL, May Miller-Dawkins expressed her thanks to the community: “We thank the community for joining us in making the call for full equality louder and brighter than ever. The support of politicians from all parties for our event shows that the message is being heard. Now’s the time to ensure our parliamentarians deliver.”
Community members wrote heartfelt messages on their hearts, which included anniversary dates, love letters to their partners and dedications to their children. “The Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby will continue to work for our community in ensuring the ‘All Love is Equal’ message is delivered to parliament house”, Miller-Dawkins added.
The Sea of Hearts coincides with the official launch of the GLRL’s state-wide comprehensive community consultation report on federal relationship recognition. The report will be launched by former Chief Justice of the Family Court Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC, this Friday 24 Feb, 12pm at Slide (41 Oxford St, Darlinghurst). Australian Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes AM, will also be making an address.
|
