Melbourne Town Hall will be lit up in rainbow colours tonight (Wednesday) to show Melbourne City Council’s support of marriage equality.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle AC said the Council wants to send a message that all couples are welcome in Melbourne. “When I think of Melbourne I think of equality. I want Melbourne to take pride in its tolerant, welcoming, diverse culture. I believe all of our residents should have the opportunity to marry, if they wish,” said the Lord Mayor.
Last night Melbourne City Council endorsed a motion to campaign in support for marriage equality. Council also resolved to take a leading role in promoting respectful dialogue at a time when an acrimonious public debate about marriage equality may be damaging to health and wellbeing of members of the LGBTIQ community.
Melbourne City Council has supported marriage equality for some time – Council unanimously resolved in 2015 to support marriage equality and called on the Federal Government to legislate for it. The Council has also maintained a relationship declaration register since 2007 as a means of recognising the relationship status of couples irrespective of gender.
“We are in a privileged position to read public sentiment because we work so closely with the community we serve. I believe the majority sentiment is that, now is the time for change,” said the Lord Mayor. “Nevertheless, I will also work for a mutually respectful debate on this potentially divisive issue.”
Along with lighting Melbourne Town Hall in rainbow colours tonight and Thursday night, the City of Melbourne will utilise public signage in support of marriage equality.
A message in support of marriage equality will be displayed on the iconic Young and Jackson’s Hotel sky sign between 11am and midday tomorrow. It will then run on rotation from Monday 21 August until Sunday 17 September. Shopfront window stickers will also be made available in the coming weeks for city businesses who wish to show their support for marriage equality.
Ambassador for The Equality Campaign, Angie Greene, said, “LGBTI Australians simply want the same status and dignity as their brothers and sisters. “It makes me so happy to see the city I grew up in support equality for all its residents,” said Ms Greene. “I encourage everyone to register or update their details with the AEC and join the campaign at www.equalitycampaign.org.au.”
Image: Melbourne Town Hall (supplied)