1 week until Senate Inquiry submissions close!

The Senate is currently holding an inquiry into the Government’s Exposure Draft Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill, released late last year. Specifically, it is examining the proposed new religious exceptions contained in the Bill. This is your opportunity to let Senators know that marriage equality should not be undermined by the introduction of new rights to discriminate against LGBTI couples. But you’ll have to be quick – submissions close next Friday (13 January 2017). For more details on how to submit, go here: http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Same_Sex_Marriage In terms of making a submission, I would suggest including two main points: 1. Marriage equality should be exactly that: equal. That means LGBTI couples should not be treated any differently to other couples. 2. There is no need for religious exceptions beyond those which already exist for ministers of religion. That means the Bill should be amended to remove new specific exceptions for ministers of religion (which are unnecessary, and apply only against same-sex couples), civil celebrants (which also only apply against same-sex couples), other religious organisations (including where they engage in commercial enterprise) and defence force chaplains. Two organisations have also designed web-platforms which make it easier for you to make a submission: Australian Marriage Equality/the Equality Campaign http://www.equalitycampaign.org.au/submission and just.equal http://bestmarriagebillever-justequal.nationbuilder.com/ Finally, you can complete the NSW Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby’s short community survey, which asks for your opinions about the proposed Bill, and which will be used to inform their submission to the Inquiry. The NSW GLRL survey is found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NSWGLRLMarriageConsultation 2017 might be the year that we finally achieve marriage equality. But, if you don’t want that equality to include new rights to discriminate against LGBTI Australians just because of who they are, then it’s time to get writing! Thanks, Alastair Lawrie www.alastairlawrie.net