The ‘Hume Supports Marriage Equality’ group is a nonpartisan grassroots movement that seeks to unite people of all political persuasions to speak up for same-sex marriage.

Former Goulburn Post reporter and campaign spokesperson Tom Sebo said the group, which has already gathered more than 250 Facebook supporters, hopes to uncover widespread support in the electorate.

Mr Sebo said it’s never been more important for locals to show their support for a law reform.

“Mr Taylor has committed to listen to the views of his constituents, which is great news for the many of us that care deeply about this issue,” Mr Sebo said.

While based in Goulburn, the group will branch out in months to come, with a petition and social media campaign ready to spread to the far corners of the electorate.

The Hume electorate encompasses Young, Yass, Murrumbateman, Cowra, Crookwell, Cootamundra and Grenfell.

“In the coming days, weeks and months we will be launching a widespread print and social media campaign as well as circulating a petition,” Mr Sebo said.

“For years, marriage equality has been largely swept under the carpet; a political inconvenience.

“Despite polls telling us that majority of Australians support the reforms, conservative politicians have traditionally voted against; predominantly because it is an issue that doesn’t directly impact upon the lives of almost 90 per cent of the community.

“While there is a minority of conservative voters for whom it is a wedge issue - that is to say they wouldn’t vote for a candidate that was pro-marriage equality - the majority of Australians remain relatively passive. When it comes time to cast their vote they are more concerned about things that affect them directly like the economy, industrial relations, taxes, immigration, etc.

“Social attitudes have shifted dramatically over the last decade but many politicians continue to play to their base. But, things are changing. With 72 per cent of Australians now supporting the reforms, many of Labor’s senior leadership (including both leader Bill Shorten and deputy Tanya Plibersek) have become advocates and pressure is mounting within the Liberal Party to allow its MPs a conscience vote. Strong conservative commentators including Alan Jones have also added their voice to the campaign.”

The group warned that while some people believe marriage equality is inevitable, for change to occur in this parliamentary term the traditionally passive majority need to assert themselves.

“Before the last federal election, 79 of the 150 members of the House of Representatives said they wouldn’t vote for the reform, including Angus Taylor,” Mr Sebo continued.

“However, he has always maintained he would represent the views of the community on this issue. In a conversation with one of our members, he said he wanted to hear from “the 80 per cent” of people who aren’t activists on either side of the divide.

“In order for these reforms to pass the House and become law we need MPs who were previously opponents to change their vote. Mr Taylor has said he’s prepared to “sound out” the community, which means it’s time for supporters to get vocal!

“With a vote this close, your voice could be the difference between these reforms getting up or being voted down.

“You don’t need to be gay to advocate marriage equality, you just need to care. It isn’t emasculating, it shows you fundamentally believe in equality; that you recognise that your sexuality doesn’t define you as a person; that everybody is entitled to equal treatment in the eyes of the law; that people shouldn’t be sub-categorised based upon superficial influences; that love is love. That love is a good thing, worthy of recognition and celebration.”

‘Hume Supports Marriage Equality’ will hold their first public meeting in the coming weeks, with details to be finalised.

The meeting will be open for anyone interested to learn more about the campaign.

For more information, or to get involved, “Like” or “Share” ‘Hume supports marriage equality’ on Facebook. 

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