Marriage equality talks end in embarrassment for Attorney General

Attorney-General George BrandisThe Attorney General George Brandis met with national LGBTIQA organisations this week to discuss the terms of the proposed plebiscite on Marriage Equality. Over 20 community representatives were unanimous in rejecting the government’s proposals and in demanding parliament pass marriage equality now.

Attendees were unimpressed that the Attorney General offered them only one minute to speak each in return for discussion time which he used to filibuster, time waste and condescend to those attending before rejecting further questions. Brandis was told ‘That’s a joke!’ when he said ‘I am happy to be part of the first Australian government to pursue marriage equality.’

Cat Rose, Co-convener of Community Action Against Homophobia summarised the feeling in the meeting when she told Brandis, “That is a pretty resounding response from everyone here that we want marriage equality and we want a free vote on it!” said Rose.

“The government would have us believe that it is either a plebiscite or nothing. Well I think I speak for everyone here when I say that is absolutely not going to happen because we will fight you [for marriage equality] every minute of the way.”

“I will not thank you for giving up a measly hour of your time, you should have consulted us twelve years ago before you ever passed the homophobic Marriage Amendment Act that has put us in this position today. We’ve been through six Prime Ministers since then. Do you really want to see the end of another ineffective, disliked government, again? You yourself Brandis are currently facing calls to resign.”

“Primary school children would be able to pass this reform… You don’t have a mandate…. But the thing that does have a mandate is marriage equality and we will be protesting outside on the streets this month.”

Brandis claimed that the government’s position would not be changing because they ‘had an election promise’ but as Rose stated to him, “You have thrown up excuse after excuse, the current one being election promises that nobody ever supported or ever asked for. The troglodytes in parliament… being unable to pass a simple reform based on the fact that you made a promise that you wouldn’t is an absolute embarrassment to yourself!”

The stated plan to protest the government this month was in reference to rallies being held in major cities by Community Action Against Homophobia and Equal Love groups. Rallies will be held in the following Cities on the dates listed.

Sydney Town Hall, George Street, Sydney
Saturday 8 October 2016 – 1.00pm

State Library of Victoria, Swanston Street, Melbourne
Saturday 8 October 2016 – 1.00pm

Petrie Plaza, City Walk, Canberra
Sunday 9 October 2016 – 1.00pm

Queens Park, Corner Elizabeth and George Streets, Brisbane
Saturday 15 October 2016 – 1.00pm

Murray Street Mall, Perth
Saturday 15 October 2016 – 1.00pm

Image: Attorney-General George Brandis