Unions unite for marriage equality

SYDNEY: A state-wide ‘Unions for Marriage Equality’ campaign will be launched at Darlinghurst’s Oxford Hotel tomorrow night, with unions joining forces to support the LGBT community.

Eleven unions in total have joined the campaign as they seek to put a message to the likes of Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) chief Joe de Bruyn and Prime Minister Julia Gillard that a large part of the workforce and Labor supporters also support same-sex marriage rights.

De Bruyn, as head of the country’s largest union, continues to suggest that the organisation’s membership – many of whom are young – back his stance of opposing marriage equality despite never polling them.

The ‘Unions for Marriage Equality’ campaign will focus on the stories and experiences of union members, with some such as John (pictured) appearing on posters to passionately voice out their views. 

“I work, I pay my taxes, I put super away for the future and I have the same goals as any other person in this nation.

“But my government will not allow me to marry the most important person in my life. Our government's position on this issue spurred me on to claim my dual citizenship from the UK,” John said.

Sally McManus, secretary of the Australian Services Union, will be present at tomorrow night’s launch of the campaign.

The launch of the ‘Unions for Marriage Equality’ campaign will take place on Tuesday, September 13 from 6pm at the Polo Lounge within the Oxford Hotel, Darlinghurst.