Surf Coast groups say yes

PEOPLE from across the Surf Coast waved the rainbow flag this week, showing their support for marriage equality at events in Aireys Inlet and Torquay.

About 50 people gathered outsider the post box in Aireys Inlet on Saturday to support people who were voting “yes” in the Australian marriage law postal survey, then moved on to the town’s general store.

In Torquay, Surf Coast Shire councillors David Bell, Libby Coker, Rose Hodge and Margot Smith organised a “Vote Yes” gathering at Peppers The Sands Resort on Tuesday, which was attended by about 50 people.

This event had a number of guest speakers, including Geelong for Marriage Equality convenor Sharyn Faulkner and Torquay activist Merrin Wake. “My husband and I have five children, four of them are married and one of them’s not allowed to – and you know what, that really pisses me off,” Mrs Faulkner said.

“This debate’s not just about marriage equality, it’s not just about religion; as the No campaign would have us think.

“This debate is definitely about human beings: my son, your sister, their cousins, mum’s uncle and dad’s brother. We are talking about people who are loved, people who are part of someone’s family.

“Make no mistake, this debate is about all of us, and Australia should not get to decide on anyone’s right to be equal.”