Mystery marriage alliance
Concerns have been raised about who is behind a new Australian marriage equality alliance before the group has been formally announced.
The Marriage Alliance was founded six months ago and lists the Australian Coalition for Equality, Queensland Association for Healthy Communities, Gay & Lesbian Equality WA, NSW Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby, Victorian Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby, Tasmanian Gay & Lesbian Rights Group (TGLRG), PFLAG Australia and Australian Marriage Equality (AME) as members.
However, the Star Observer has spoken to leadership individuals from Alliance member organisations, some of whom requested anonymity, who are concerned that focus group research and polling was commissioned on their behalf but without their knowledge.
The research, seen by this newspaper, urges taking a non-confrontational approach in the lead-up to the ALP National Conference in December and, although supportive of marriage equality, notes 鈥渇or those conflicted by the issue or sitting on the fence, the idea of civil unions seem like the easiest and less disruptive path, and a reasonable compromise for both sides … some also think it might be a good first step before same-sex marriage becomes law鈥�.
Groups who organise rallies for marriage equality have not been invited to join the Alliance.
Concerns were also expressed that people purporting to represent the Alliance had used this research to lobby politicians without the knowledge of all Alliance members.
Most Alliance member organisations did not reply to questions by deadline.
However, PFLAG Australia national spokeswoman Shelley Argent told the Star Observer she knew little of the group鈥檚 activities.
鈥淚 have no idea about much of what you are asking because very little contact has been made with me,鈥� Argent said, adding that she had now distanced herself from the Alliance to remain independent.
AME national convenor Alex Greenwich said his group remained independent but was part of the Alliance鈥檚 My Marriage Story online campaign.
鈥淭here are always teething issues at the start of any campaign and I am confident that if there are any issues, they will be resolved,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 will personally ensure that views and concerns of groups like CAAH and Equal Love will be represented.鈥�
However, TGLRG spokesman Rodney Croome said he was 鈥渄eeply concerned鈥� by a lack of 鈥減rocess, accountability and transparency鈥� within the Alliance.
鈥淭here is no board, spokesperson or structure. This would not matter if the Alliance was simply about sharing information or coordinating national actions … but it has gone far beyond that 鈥� commissioning research and polling, and lobbying politicians,鈥� he said.
鈥淥n such an important and sensitive issue as marriage equality 鈥� where politicians are always looking for an easy way out like civil unions 鈥� the LGBTI community deserves to know who is representing it and what they鈥檙e saying … but not even people involved in the Alliance know what it is doing.
鈥淚f we are to avoid the mistrust and division that has plagued marriage equality campaigns in the US, it is vital we all work well together in an open and transparent way.鈥�
It is a scandal!!! A real conspiracy!!
Dear Editor,
Re: Mystery marriage alliance (SSO#1080)
The Australia Coalition for Equality (ACE) writes to confirm for the public that it is not a member of any Marriage Alliance and remains an independent organisation that works cooperatively with a range of organisations and individuals on matters of human rights for the LGBTI community.
ACE congratulates and supports the leading position that organisations like Australian Marriage Equality and PFLAG have taken on ensuring the issue of marriage equality for all couples remains front and centre in public debate. ACE continues to also recognise and endorse the work of Equal Love and CAAH for mobilising thousands of people to take action for marriage equality.
ACE is a proud Campaign Partner of the Marriage Equality Matters campaign and strongly encourages the LGBTI community to share their story via the mymarriagestory.com.au website or at facebook.com/marriageequalitymatters.
ACE continues to sees value in the cooperative partnership built through the Marriage Equality Matters campaign, between community organisations and individuals associated with all political parties.
Ultimately, following a successful motion of the ALP National Conference in December 2011, passage of a bill to change the Marriage Act is likely to require support from MP’s of all parties.
Accordingly, we see value in our community actively working with people from the Liberals, ALP, Nationals, Greens and Independents. We support partnerships where supportive members of a political party work inside and community organisations like ACE, AME and PFLAG work outside to secure the necessary votes for marriage equality.
ACE reaffirms its previously stated opposition to the idea that Civil Unions are an acceptable outcome for Australia. It calls on all organisations and individuals to reaffirm their position against Civil Unions as a substitute for equal marriage. ACE will continue to seek assurances from MPs and party members of the ALP who support marriage equality, that they will not accept a Civil Unions compromise at the ALP National Conference, nor when any bill is presented in Parliament. Marriage Equality must come first before any civil union scheme for couples who choose to not be married is considered.
Together, our community, led by organisations like AME and PFLAG and through cooperative activities such as the mymarriagestory.com.au website, we can ensure that our community’s fight for equality is not sidetracked or delayed by those whose convictions may falter.
Sincerely,
Corey Irlam
on behalf of the Australian Coalition for Equality Committee of Management.