Debbie Trowell and Monique Koppelman of Northcote Photo: Matlida Marozzi
Around a thousand demonstrators attended the March for Marriage Equality at The State Library on Saturday afternoon, protesting against current laws that prevent same-sex couples from marrying.
The protest came almost 10 years to the day since the Howard Government passed the Marriage Amendment Bill, effectively denying marriage to same-sex couples.
Guest speakers included former Hobson’s Bay Mayor, president of Intersex International Australia Tony Briffa and local Greens MP Sue Pennicuk.
Ms Pennicuk described the current law as a human rights issue and a “blight on our community”, which drew strong support from the crowd.
ARIA award-winning musician and activist Monique Brumby performed Silent War, a song about the struggle for marriage equality which she co-wrote with her wife.
A recent poll commissioned by Marriage Equality Australia showed support for same-sex marriage is at an all-time high.
Pollster Crosby-Textor found 72 per cent of Australians want same-sex marriage to be recognised in law, with 77 per cent believing Coalition MPs should be granted a conscience vote on the issue.
Protester Monique Koppelman of Northcote said, “It’s way beyond a conscience vote, I think it’s about time they just put it through.”
After the rally the thousand-strong crowd marched to Parliament reserve where a celebrant read marriage vows to dozens of same-sex couples who symbolically defied legislation to tie the knot.
One placard at the rally and march featured Seasame Street characters Bert and Ernie.
Colin Krycer of Murrumbeena, who held the placard, said he wanted to raise awareness about the through humour.
“[I’m] not saying they [Bert and Ernie] are gay,” he said, “but should they be gay and wanted to get married in Australia, they should have the right.”
Conservative, anti-gay groups in the United States have long complained about what they see as homosexual “propaganda” promoted to children by the relationship of the two puppets.
It’s not the first time the duo have been used to make a point in the marriage equality debate. The July 2013 edition of The New Yorker featured an illustration entitled “Moment of Joy”, which showed them watching television in a tender embrace.
The illustration, by Jack Hunter, was a celebration of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Defence of Marriage act. The TV screen shows the nine Supreme Court judges who handed down the ruling.
Michael Barnett and husband Gregory Storer attended Saturday’s rally. They feature in episode one of SBS’s upcoming reality TV show Living with the Enemy, in which they share a house with a fundamentalist Anglican priest who is strongly opposed to same-sex marriage.
Equal marriage rights is an issue close to Mr Barnett’s heart. He had to travel to Queenstown, New Zealand, to marry his partner.
“I think after 10 years of blatant discrimination, it’s time for the government to step up and change the law,” he said.
Similar protests were held around the country in Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.
All photos: Matilda Marozzi
Ruby Hughes aka Ophelia Sol.
Michael Barnett & Colin Krycer.
An emotional day for many.
Raine Leslie and Jen Sumner of Gippsland.
