The Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) today announced that Gay and Lesbian families are set to take centre stage at this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The Lobby’s float, titled “Our Families First”, will highlight the importance of same-sex families in our society as well as the unequal treatment that these families receive before the law.

The float will lead the “Family” Section of the parade, and will include a number of lesbian and gay parents and their kids. The float will also feature Spongebob Squarepants, the family cartoon character who was attacked by conservative groups in the US for being too tolerant and “gay-friendly”.

As well as the Lobby’s float, the Mardi Gras Parade will be headed by Vicki Harding, and her partner, Jackie. They are best known as the Lesbian mothers who featured on Playschool last year with their daughter, Brenna.

Julie McConnell, Co-convenor, commented: “Our float shows that gays and lesbians have families and have kids, and if people talk about family values they need to be inclusive of all families.”

She added: “In recent times conservative groups such as Family First, have preached about family values. Tonight we will be showing Australia that family values are gay and lesbian family values”.

David Scamell, Co-convenor, said: “Gay and Lesbian Families are still not recognised under NSW Law. It is time for the Carr government to recognise the rights of gay and lesbian parents and their kids to the full legal protection that all other families enjoy”.

Lobby spokespeople and a number of gay and lesbian parents will be available for comment and photo opportunities prior to the parade.