Vote ‘Yes’ campaign full steam ahead after High Court marriage equality outcome

The Australian High Court today ruled in favour of the Australian Government in the Human Rights Law Centre’s challenge against the postal survey on marriage equality. The survey is due to begin on September 12.

Anna Brown, Director of Legal Advocacy at the Human Rights Law Centre, representing Australian Marriage Equality and Senator Janet Rice, said it was important to now focus energy on securing a ‘yes’ vote for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people in Australia.

“All Australians should have the same opportunities for love, commitment and happiness. All Australians should be able to marry the person they love. We know this survey is unnecessary but now all our efforts will go into ensuring a resounding 'Yes' vote for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex community, their friends and their families,” said Ms Brown.

Alex Greenwich, Co-Chair of Australian Marriage Equality, said this decision would mobilise the many supporters of marriage equality across the country.

"With the postal vote survey now proceeding, we have no choice but to campaign hard for a strong yes vote. Australians are ready for marriage equality and the survey is an opportunity for all Australians to vote for their friends and family and our national values of fairness and equality," said Mr Greenwich.

"We thank the Human Rights Law Centre for their consistent commitment to equality, fairness, and rights for the LGBTI community," added Mr Greenwich.

Greens Senator and LGBTIQ spokesperson, Janet Rice, said now was the time to prove that Australian’s believe in equality for all.

“We are going to be working hard for a huge ‘Yes’ vote and to ensure that LGBTIQ people know that the majority of Australians support them and recognise that love is love and that love will win. I’m disappointed that the High Court challenge was not successful. But we are moving on,” said Senator Rice.

The Human Rights Law Centre thanks our barrister team Katherine Richardson SC, James Emmett, Gerald Ng and Surya Palaniappan for their exceptional work, conducted on a pro bono basis, on this case.

For further information or interviews contact:

Michelle Bennett, Director of Communications, Human Rights Law Centre:  0419 100 519

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