The Mercury has asked all candidates who provided an email address to the electoral commission about their stance on the upcoming postal survey on same-sex marriage.
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Their answers are below, listed in the order on the ballot.
Answers have not been edited.
GROUP A – LIBERAL
John Dorahy, Figtree, 63
Would not answer.
What I am most happy about though is, as you're aware, at Wollongong Council there is gender and relationship diversity which has assisted Councillors make informed, mostly practical decisions for the LGA. I do not see that changing at Wollongong Council.
This election is about how Wollongong Council will create Jobs in the region and how it works more collaboratively with Shellharbour Council to achieve positive Jobs outcomes for its residents across the region. A Jobs Action Plan is what I bring to Wollongong Council with strong Liberal Councillors to assist those wanting jobs and not having to travel to Sydney or elsewhere.
Michelle Blicavs, Farmborough Heights, 46
Voting NO
I am pleased that the Federal Government are giving all voters an opportunity to have their say on this important debate. As I campaign for the Council election, I am hearing support for both the Yes and No vote and I hope that our local Federal member will consider her constituents views when deciding this important piece of legislative change.
I have also been surprised by the number of people not enrolled to vote. I encourage all Wollongong residents to enrol today and be sure their voice is heard on this and other important issues that impact their lives.
Personally, my faith comes before politics and, as a Christian, I believe “marriage” is between a man and a woman as defined by God in Genesis and Jesus in Mark 10:7 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife”
I, like many others, have family and friends in same-sex relationships. I don’t consider their relationship less valuable that my marriage of 27 years. However, my definition of marriage comes from Christian heritage and I won’t be voting to change that.
Ranjith Raj Cordeaux Heights, 25
No email address provided.
Asim Iqbal, Tarrawanna, 39
No email address provided.
GROUP B – GREENS
Cath Blakey, Wollongong, 37
Voting YES.
The Greens opposed John Howard’s 2004 Marriage Act amendment, which formally prohibited same-sex marriage.
A parliamentary vote could simply remove discrimination from the Australian marriage act. Instead the Turnbull government is spending $122 million on a postal survey.
My cousin, Rachel Blakey, was able to marry because she and her wife are working in the USA, but they would not have been allowed to marry in Australia, their own country.
Theresa Huxtable, Mangerton, 61
No email address provided.
Martin Cubby, Corrimal, 38
No email address provided.
Leon Fuller, Mount Keira, age not provided
No email address provided.
GROUP C – Independent
Andrew Anthony, Figtree, 39 (MAYORAL CANDIDATE)
No answer.
Damien Ferri, Mount Saint Thomas
No email address provided.
John Anthony , Unanderra, 37
No email address provided.
Carmela Harrison, Farmborough Heights, 36
No email address provided.
GROUP D – LABOR
David Brown, North Wollongong,54 (MAYORAL CANDIDATE)
Voting YES.
I support equality, do I really need to provide the requested 100 words to explain this concept in 2017?
Tania Brown, Wollongong, 51
Voting YES
This is a question of equality and equal rights for all Australians. It is not a religious debate but a legal one, and it is time that our laws reflect the community we live in and provide equal rights and protection under that law to all citizens.
As a proud parent and friend of members of the LGBTI community I want all of our children to have equal rights under the laws of our land and the right to marry whomsoever they choose, when and if they choose. Love is love.
Alex Costello, Fairy Meadow, ago not provided
Voting YES.
I believe love is love, there should not be discrimination because conservative groups like the Liberals try to dictate otherwise.
Daniel White, Figtree, 39
No answer.
GROUP E – Independent
Vicki Curran, Figtree, 50 (MAYORAL CANDIDATE)
Voting YES.
We are a society that values the marriage ceremony and the uniting of two people.
Our gender and sexual preferences are not a choice, we are who we are. A vote Yes is a vote for equality. We all deserve the freedom to love and celebrate our love and commitment to life long partners. That's why we are voting yes.
Amanda Kelly, Figtree, 39
Voting YES.
Kylie Sweeney de Havilland, Fairy Meadow, age not provided
Voting YES.
John Mant, Wollongong, 80
Voting YES.