It’s time.
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Time for the rainbow flag to fly over the city of Wollongong.
If it’s good enough for other cities around the country such as Newcastle, Melbourne, Sydney, Albury and Bendigo, it is good enough for us.
On Monday night, the newly-elected members of the Wollongong City Council will be asked to unite.
They will be asked in a motion by Councillor Mithra Cox to raise the rainbow flag in support of marriage equality over the council headquarters.
With the deadline for the return of the marriage postal survey by then well and truly closed, it can not be argued that this will somehow be an influence on the local community and how they vote in this survey.
This will simply be an opportunity to show, like other cities have, we are a city which supports inclusion and diversity. The Newcastle flag is pictured.
We are a city which stands up for equality.
It is Councillor Cox’s first notice of motion and we congratulate Mithra for it.
“The marriage equality debate is having a serious and personal impact on members of our LGBTI community,” she said.
“Thousands of people who have been quietly living their lives in our city are being publicly judged and feeling shamed for their sexuality, their parenting choices and their families.”
It’s expected there will be plenty of support around the table.
Tania Brown for one is a passionate campaigner for marriage equality.
Leading up to the last election Anne Martin led Labor councillors in a rally outside the headquarters in Burelli St calling for council to fly the rainbow flag.
At the time Ms Martin said:
“My message is that this is an inclusive city, and Wollongong should fly the flag.
“And yes, this is a council issue, because we talk about being an inclusive city. I have family members who are gay, and they deserve the right to marry.
“This is a really basic right, and we should show leadership here.”
This is indeed a leadership opportunity for the new council.
A chance to show what they stand for and what this city stands for – a diverse, supportive and inclusive future.
Let’s hope council votes in support and we too can add our name to the roll call of cities who have stood up for equality.