Minister Barr: Canberra votes Yes
- Written by ACT Government
Released 15/11/2017
There are many reasons to be proud of our city, but today I feel particularly proud of how Canberrans have voted for marriage equality.
The national vote was a resounding yes, but the ACT stood out at 74%. Almost 3 in every 4 Canberrans voted yes. We had the highest voter turnout of any jurisdiction at 82.4%, which demonstrates how much Canberrans care about our future.
We had the highest yes vote of any jurisdiction, demonstrating how inclusive Canberrans are.
Marriage equality is about the values we hold dear. All Australians should be treated equally under the law — and that includes being able to marry the person they love.
That’s why the same-sex marriage postal survey was a shocking process for the Federal Government to engage on such an important issue. It should never be repeated – LGBTIQ people in this country should not be singled out in this way and have to endure public vitriol.
Now it’s time to get on with it.
We voted for every Australian to have the same opportunities for love and happiness, so we must not accept conservative politicians who want to use the same sex marriage law to provide a licence to discriminate against LGBTIQ Australians.
Those that have fought hard against the right of LGBTIQ people to marry should not be allowed to forgive discrimination in our society.
We must find the right balance and give the people of Australia what they voted for – a fair and inclusive society where people can marry the person they love.
Together we have achieved a fairer and more inclusive country for all of us. I look forward to celebrating this occasion with the thousands of Canberrans that voted for change.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
