All Love Is Equal
19/10/2011
Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent will today proudly speak in support of a motion calling for same-sex marriage.
Greens MLC Tammy Franks is planning to introduce a motion to South Australian Parliament requesting that the Federal Government amend the Commonwealth Marriage Act to allow same-sex marriage.
“I am a passionate supporter of equality in marriage and rights,” said Ms Vincent.
“I strongly believe that all love is equal, and am saddened to think that Australians who love each other are being denied the right to express that love through marriage.”
Ms Vincent will make a speech today in Parliament outlining her views on same-sex marriage and hopes other Members of Parliament will express personal beliefs instead of being forced to toe a party line.
“I believe the issue of same-sex marriage should be given conscience vote status,” said Ms Vincent. “This is a question which goes beyond party allegiance, religion or cultural beliefs. It is a question of human rights, and of respect for the deepest feelings of others.”
“People of any background or belief system can be same-sex attracted, and the way the Parliament considers this issue should reflect that fact.”
Same-sex marriage has recently received increased media coverage in SA after outgoing Premier Mike Rann spoke in support of it. However, there are still many detractors in the state and Ms Vincent believes there is misinformation being used in the debate.
“Non-supporters of same-sex marriage are entitled to their beliefs, but I am upset by some of the arguments they make which are not factual,” she said.
“For example, detractors often say same-sex attracted couples are more frequently unfaithful than heterosexual couples – even though there is no evidence to suggest such a trend.
“Other non-supporters will say that not all same-sex attracted couples want to get married. Clearly, this is true of both heterosexual and same-sex couples and has little to do with the debate at hand.
“Looking for logic in these arguments is like looking for Iceland on a map of Africa.”
