The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) is happy to see that majority of Australians are fair people and believe in equality for all. The yes result from the same sex marriage survey shows what the polling has suggested all along. It shows that it is past time that the LGBTIQA+ community had equal rights to marry.
Now that the Turnbull government has the result of their $120 million postal vote, the Turnbull government must fulfil its promises of the delivery of a marriage equality bill that is fair and reflects the desire of the Australian people. With all the leaders of the major parties in favour of marriage equality, there is no reason why parliament cannot push for a marriage equality bill.
Marriage is just one of the many discriminations that face LGBTQIA+ community. Same sex marriage may become legal in Australia still has further to go. Many people in our community still face an incredible amount of discrimination in their day to day lives. It is important we still fight for the rights for people in the LGBTQIA+ community. The attack on Safe Schools and Transgender people have been so evident within the marriage equality debate, it is important that we affirm the rights and safety of trans people and young LGBTQIA+ people.
The Australian people have spoken. It was a survey the LGBTQIA+ community did not want but has survived, and the Australian people have spoken. It is time our elected representatives remember what they are there for and that is to represent the people. Not just themselves, not just people that think like them and not just their cycling mates. Our elected representative need to remember there is an election right around the corner and if you go against the voice of the people it will be remembered at the next election.
CAPA will continue to fight for same sex marriage and for the equal rights of all LGBTQIA+ people.
CAPA National President Peter Derbyshire says:
“Same sex marriage should have been legalised years ago and this process has been a farce from start to finish. It is time to get on with it.”
CAPA Vice-President Equity Vibol Hy says:
“The Australian public voted on whether to change the law to allow Same Sex Marriage they did not vote for changes to the marriage act that furthers more discrimination to the LGBTIQA+ community.”
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For Comment
CAPA National President Peter Derbyshire
M: 0435 047 817
E: president@capa.edu.au
