Loving Vows in action

With recent Newspoll figures showing the majority of Australians support the recognition of same-sex relationships, the organisers of the upcoming National Day of Action believe community action is now more important than ever.

According to Rachel Evans, National Union of Students National Queer Officer and one of the organisers behind the National Day of Action on 13 August, the cause is at an important junction, with this groundswell of support now in need of additional action to change the federal laws.

A large part of what we are doing is galvanising this passive support into active support, Evans says.

It’s good practice to display public action and opposition to the homophobic attacks that are going on, and that is the way we have to go to change this government’s position, but also widen our support base.

The National Day of Action is co-sponsored by various activist groups including Australian Marriage Equality, and will be held under the banner of Equal Love Rights For All. The rally marks the second anniversary of the 2004 ban on same-sex marriages in federal parliament.

Events are being held in cities and major regional centres around the country. The Sydney rally will begin with a meeting at Taylor Square, before a march down Oxford Street to Hyde Park North for a massed marriage ceremony entitled Loving Vows.

Evans says organisers are hoping to have a minister from the Metropolitan Community Church to bless the participants, as well as leaders from other spiritual groups, such as Buddhists.

The celebration will then return to Taylor Square for a reception at Kinselas Hotel.

It is very important that all queers come out and oppose very loudly and clearly what is happening in Australian politics. I really think this is the only way we are going to get him to listen, Evans says.

For more information visit the CAAH website.