City of Melbourne to campaign for same sex marriage with rainbow Town Hall

THE City of Melbourne will campaign for same sex marriage with rainbow lights on Town Hall and signs above Young and Jackson’s Hotel.

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THE City of Melbourne will campaign strongly for gay marriage as Australians prepare to vote on the issue in the Federal Government’s proposed postal ballot.

Town Hall will be temporarily lit up with the rainbow colours on Wednesday and Thursday night.

A message supporting marriage equality will also be shown on the sky sign above Young and Jackson’s Hotel for an hour at 11am on Wednesday.

The message will run on rotation from Monday, August 21 until Sunday, September 17.

Stickers will also be made for city shops to place in their front windows to show their support.

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In an urgent motion put by Lord Mayor Robert Doyle on Tuesday night, councillors voted to reaffirm “council’s longstanding support and commitment to achieving marriage equality as soon as practicable”.

Cr Doyle said he wanted the council to send a message that it was possible to have what could be a difficult debate conducted in a respectful way in a diverse society.

“There is no doubt that this a matter of wellbeing, of social and personal and emotional and psychological wellbeing, and I think it’s important that we take a stand as a council on that matter if we consider ourselves a city of wellbeing,” he said.

“When I think of Melbourne I think of equality. I want Melbourne to take pride in its tolerant, welcoming, diverse culture. I believe all of our residents should have the opportunity to marry, if they wish.”

Cr Doyle said the council was in a privileged position to read public sentiment.

“I believe the majority sentiment is that, now is the time for change.

“Nevertheless, I will also work for a mutually respectful debate on this potentially divisive issue.”

The motion calls on council management “to pursue opportunities to communicate council’s support for marriage equality publicly, and promote the City of Melbourne as a place that celebrates diversity and civil public debate”.

It also called on councillors to take a leading role in promoting respectful discussion of the issue within the community “and encourages LGBTIQ people to seek support if needed through appropriate support services”.

The motion was passed unanimously.