Hobart marriage equality forum hears all sides of debate

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 29.4.11

A forum on marriage equality at the University of Tasmania in Hobart last night drew an overflow audience of 400.

Organised by Federal MP for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, to gauge community views on the issue, the forum heard from marriage law expert, Dr Olivia Rundle, marriage equality advocate, Rodney Croome, and Presbyterian Minister, Campbell Markham, before being opened up to questions and comments.

Mr Croome said the forum was a great success with a variety of views being respectfully aired.

"The large turn-out shows that marriage equality is an important issue to many people", Mr Croome said.

"It's a credit to all the participants, and to Mr Wilkie's facilitation, that the debate was productive and respectful."

A small group of protesters waved placards before the meeting began declaring "Andrew Wilkie, please don't gamble with marriage", referring to Mr Wilkie's declared support for marriage equality and his opposition to poker machines, but there were few interruptions during the addresses.

Dr Rundle explained the difference between civil and religious marriages. Mr Croome said marriage today is about love, commitment and family. Rev Markham said marriage is primarily about the complementarity of men and women.

Audience members in favour of equality raised the impact of discrimination on the families of same-sex attracted people, the blessing of same-sex unions in various religious traditions, and the ways allowing same-sex marriage will enhance the institution generally.

Those against referred to tradition, the Bible and natural law, with some raising the possibility of a referendum.

Audience response to the points raised indicated it was split fairly evenly between supporters and opponents of reform.

Mr Wilkie told the audience he will report the results of his community consultation to Parliament.

A copy of Mr Croome's address can be found at:
http://www.rodneycroome.id.au/other_more?id=3386_0_2_0_M13

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668 or Mr Wilkie's office on 03 6234 5255.