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A poll of local government candidates conducted by the Illawarra Mercury on the issue of marriage equality has come back a resounding ‘yes’.
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On Monday, Labor candidates called on the city of Wollongong to raise the rainbow flag on its Burelli Street headquarters as a sign of social inclusion in the lead-up to the marriage equality vote.
In response, we asked candidates which way they would vote and overwhelmingly the response was they’d be voting “yes”.
You can read the responses of the individual candidates online at www.illawarramercury.com.au.
The responses make for interesting reading.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Gordon Bradbery is a religious minister and he responded with these comments.
“Freedom of religion and cultural choice means also that everyone should be able to choose their own approach to marriage,” the Lord Mayor said.
“I'm voting to create a choice to marry or not, regardless of which and how couples wish to live and express their affection.
“Marriage is no longer about making babies, it is about responsible, loving and caring parenting and solidarity with another unique person to share the challenges and joys of life.”
On Tuesday we caught up with Kiama resident Alan Waistell (pictured), who has placed a ‘vote yes’ sign outside his home in Kiama.
Mr Waistell, 54, who came out as gay 14 years ago, put the sign up over the weekend.
Many people have found new and unusual ways to complicate what is ultimately a pretty simple issue.
For Mr Waistell, the issue could not be simpler.
“I’m gay, I have a couple of gay kids … It’s not so much about the marriage equality, it’s about equality in everyone.
“I just think everyone should be treated the same.”
Essentially that’s the issue in a nutshell.
We are calling on everyone who is eligible to have a say in the Australian Electoral Commission postal survey to ensure they have their vote heard.
We are calling on people to use the #YourVoiceYourVote on social media.
The deadline for people to ensure their details are correct with the AEC electoral roll is by 6 pm on Thursday, August 24.
Make sure your voice is heard.