“The Equality Campaign is about building on the momentum and energy generated across the nation for marriage equality and continuing to campaign for a straightforward change to be achieved by a vote in the parliament,” Co-Chair of Australians for Equality, Anna Brown said.
“This campaign is about putting the human face of the issue back in the centre of the discussion. It is based on the importance of human stories and the message to LGBTI people, their families and friends that collectively we can be the agent of change.
“Our campaign aims to make a clear break from the negative atmosphere which surrounded the plebiscite and remind people of the importance but also the beauty of the cause. We are promoting some of the greatest human values – love, respect and happiness.
“It is a campaign based on promoting conversations about why equality matters to us rather than angry politicised debates.
“We aim to set a positive confident tone as we empower LGBTI people to talk to their friends, family, work colleagues and neighbours about marriage equality.
The single most important thing that turns a person into a supporter of LGBTI equality is when they know an LGBTI person and they have a conversation about equality.
“This will be a campaign reaching out to every LGBTI person and remind them that they are the single most influential person in the space they live in.
“The campaign will show the strength and diversity of support for marriage equality. At equalitycampaign.org.au supporters will find the tools to lobby their MPs, hold local events, and share with their communities the many reasons why marriage equality matters.
“Along with our supporters, we will continue to show how marriage equality is simply based on our shared Australian values of a fair go and respect for all and its important that these values continue to underpin the ongoing national conversation on marriage equality.
“Two-thirds of Australians as well as a majority of politicians want every Australian to be able to marry the person they love. Marriage equality will not change anything for the vast majority of Australians, but will make a profound difference to the status and dignity of many,” Ms Brown said.
Co-Chair of Australian Marriage Equality, Alex Greenwich said, “this campaign will continue our work across the nation, bringing supporters together, holding community events and forums to change the hearts and minds of communities across Australia.
“We will also continue to call on our supporters across all political parties who support marriage equality to work together to find a pathway for a free vote in the parliament.
“Our campaign will be about reminding our MPs that fairness and equality are at the heart of Australian society. We believe our laws should reflect these values of which we are most proud. It’s time for all Australians to be treated equally under the law, with the full rights of equal citizenship.
“Marriage is about the commitment shared between two people who love each other and want a secure future together. LGBTI Australians should have the same opportunities for love, commitment and happiness as everyone else,” Mr Greenwich concluded.
