Darebin Council flies rainbow flag for marriage equality

THE rainbow flag will fly over a Melbourne council’s town hall until marriage equality becomes law in Australia.

The rainbow flag will fly over Preston City Hall until marriage equality is law in Australia. Picture: David Smith

UPDATE: Darebin Council today raised the rainbow flag over Preston City Hall in a show of solidarity with the LGBTIQ community.

Mayor Kim Le Cerf said the flag would remain until marriage equality was law in Australia.

“People who identify themselves as LGBTIQ make up more than 10 per cent of our community and are twice as likely to experience poor mental health outcomes as a direct result of the stigma, prejudice and discrimination they experience every day,” she said.

Darebin Mayor Kim Le Cerf addresses the crowd before the flag-raising ceremony on Wednesday. Picture: David Smith

“Marriage equality is a big part of ending entrenched discrimination and I am proud that Darebin Council will fly the rainbow flag until the Marriage Act is changed so that Australians are able to marry, regardless of who they are or who they love.”

Darebin councillors voted on Monday to raise the flag in solidarity with the LGBTIQ community from May 17 until the federal Parliament passes marriage equality legislation.

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

Residents turned out on Wednesday to show their support for the LGBTIQ community. Picture: David Smith

The council also voted to introduce $20,000 in community grants to make LGBTIQ people safer in Darebin.

Councillor Steph Amir said the new grants would “show more than symbolism”.

“We need to recognise and make visible our support for our diverse community,” she said.

The council’s move follows similar decisions by the Surf Coast Shire and Yarra Council to support marriage equality.

The council held a flag-raising ceremony on Wednesday, May 17, at Preston Shire Hall.

Other councils including Surf Coast Shire and Yarra Council have raised rainbow flags. Picture: David Smith

Darebin Mayor Kim Le Cerf outside Preston City Hall. Picture: David Smith