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 – GREENS
Mithra Cox, Corrimal, 38 (MAYORAL CANDIDATE)
Voting YES
When two people love each other and decide to get married, it doesn't hurt anyone or infringe on anyone else's rights.
The postal survey is designed to be unfair and is rigged against the YES case, so it's up to all of us to make sure everyone gets their ballots in.
Sarah Nicholson, Woonona, 44
Email address not provided.
Stephen Young, Thirroul, age not provided
Voting YES.
Right around the world, marriage equality has become a reality. We have an exciting opportunity – let’s get marriage equality in place here too.
Most Australians understand that it's an issue of basic fairness – Australians in same sex relationships should be able to marry. Changing the law will also ease the difficulties faced by transgender people, some of whom are forced to divorce when their change of legal gender results in a same-sex marriage.
Intersex people also face difficulties in marrying. Marriage equality is an important step towards reducing the discrimination faced by LGBITQ Australians, and their families.
Andrew Nicholson, Bulli, 42
Email address not provided.
GROUP B – LABOR
Janice Kershaw, Bellambi, 53
Voting YES.
I believe that everyone is equal. If 2 people love each other and want to make a commitment to each other, they should be able to make that legal commitment that is recognised as a legal marriage. As long as no one is forced under law to marry a couple, there should be absolutely no problem with it occurring. It is farcical that Australians who love each other and want to commit their future lives to each other have to fly to another country to pledge their commitment to each other.
Jenelle Rimmer, Towradgi, 34
Voting YES.
I support same sex marriage.
It is incomprehensible to me that in 2017 we still have a situation whereby two people who love each other are prohibited from getting married.
The feedback that I hear is overwhelmingly in support for marriage equality. I believe that the majority of Australian’s want this issue resolved once and for all.
Let me be clear, the plebiscite is a complete waste of money. We have elected representatives that should have voted on this and passed this legislation long ago without the $122 million price tag. I support same sex marriage and will be voting yes.
Richard Martin, Russell Vale, 58
Voting YES
I believe all loving and committed couples should be free to marry. The time for marriage equality is now. Life is short, time is precious. Let’s ensure all Australians have a right to happiness. All Australians should be treated equally under the law – and that includes being able to marry the person they love.
Ivor Fabok, Thirroul, age not provided
Email address not provided.
GROUP C – LIBERAL
Leigh Colocino, Stanwell Park, 62
Won’t reveal vote.
I am sorry but I can't answer the first question because I have not received the official question through the post. I have been told what it might ask but I want to see it before I can respond. However, I can say that for as long as I can remember I have always supported the right of self determination. I consider individuality a basic right. I never look at a group of people and see male or female, black or white, or any other possible variations, I only see the diversity that makes humans what they are. The right to love, and to be loved in returned, is something to cherish.
Heloisa Nuske, Cordeaux Heights, 44
Email address not provided
Jennie Colacino, Stanwell Park, 64
Email address not provided.
Peter Vermeer, Helensburgh, 52
Email address not provided.
GROUP D – Independent
Warwick Erwin, Stanwell Tops, 60 (MAYORAL CANDIDATE)
No answer.
Greg Petty, Helensburgh, 62 (MAYORAL CANDIDATE)
Did not answer.
I would like the opportunity to read the background information for both the Yes and No case. Irrespective of the survey, council rates will rise, flood premiums are kept artificially high, Lawrence Hargrave Drive through Thirroul is log jammed! Local government needs to be about roads, rates and rubbish – let’s get back to basic services.
Wayne Cooper, Tarrawanna, 54
Voting YES.
A free and democratic Australian society should reflect an individuals’ right to marry the one they love, regardless of sex, gender or cultural belief.
Ray Robinson, East Corrimal, 78
No answer.