With one week to go before the same-sex marriage survey closes, there has been a renewed push from both sides to sway public opinion and ensure all Australians have voted.
No push has been quite so major, however, than the City of Sydney’s pledge to offer free weddings at community facilities if same-sex marriage is legalised.
Yep, according to a motion passed on Monday night, gay and lesbian couples will be able to marry in Sydney’s halls and parks without charge for 100 days following the postal survey if the ‘yes’ camp wins, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Of course, there’s been push-back from conservatives and people questioning the ‘equality’ of such a decision.
“This has been a fight for equality before the law and it’s my belief that we can’t ask for equality for ourselves and then deny it to others,” Liberal councillor Christine Forster told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Others, such as Labor councillor Linda Scott who moved the motion, believe 100 days of free weddings is a small price to pay to help heal years of persecution the LGBTIQ community has faced at the hands of the law, the government and the general public. Persecution that’s been intensified in the course of the same-sex marriage survey itself.
“This community has suffered significant discrimination and many have felt hurt during the campaign,” Scott told Fairfax. “This is a practical way for the council to combat discrimination.”
LISTEN: A message for Malcolm Turnbull about the same-sex marriage plebiscite. Post continues below.
Politicians aren’t the only ones making a final push for marriage equality.
Last night on ABC’s Q&A, actress and comedian Magda Szubanksi refuted suggestions from ‘No’ campaign spokesperson Karina Okotel that civil unions are suitable for gay and lesbian couples, and that legalising same-sex marriage will change society’s view on men and women.
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Top Comments
I can honestly go both ways on this. It's true, they're not offering that to couples who aren't of the same sex, so it's something that's not equal.
However, I think it's a lovely thing to offer people of same sex, assuming that the law is changed and they are able to wed. I guess you could call it Affirmative Action.
On the whole I am fine with it happening, and if the cost of it was coming out of my rates I would be happy with that.
The City of Sydney ratepayers must be thrilled they are subsidizing this largesse.