WODONGA Council has voted to publicly support same-sex marriage — to the somewhat stunned amazement of members of the city’s gay and lesbian community.
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Councillors last night voted 5-1 — with Cr Mark Byatt abstaining — in favour of Cr Lisa Mahood’s motion to officially pledge support to the marriage equality movement and write to local state and federal MPs advising as such.
But it followed lengthy debate that seemingly centred on all the reasons not to support it: Cr Michael Fraser called for public consultation, Cr Anna Speedie accused Cr Mahood of party politics and Cr Byatt stated it was not a local government issue.
And so it was there was no reaction from the gallery as the motion passed, save for a stunned silence.
But Border GLBTI group Hume Phoenix co-convenor Toni Johnson said that soon gave way to joy.
“It’s wonderful, I really didn’t expect five to say yes... they did seem to be talking very negatively,” she said.
“But I think they went with their hearts.
“It makes a big impact and is really going to help the community here in Wodonga.”
More than a dozen Hume Phoenix members attended the meeting, as well as Yackandandah’s Gary Hayward — who was last year abused in his shop by anti-homosexual preachers — and Albury Council’s Labor councillors Darren Cameron and Ross Jackson.
Cr Mahood — also an ALP member — said she “passionately believes in equality for all”.
“I acknowledge this is something not all in our community are comfortable discussing, accepting or supporting and I respect their views, as it is not for me to judge,” she said.
“I respect their views, in the same way in which I ask you to respect and accept my views.
“I believe in a community where we are supportive of all people, I believe in a community where differences are accepted and celebrated.”
Cr Fraser — who voted against the motion — said while he supported same-sex marriage, “I have a duty to represent the people of Wodonga and not just myself”.
“The people have not been asked and until we’ve got that answer, I can’t support it,” he said.
Asked after the meeting why he had not put forward an amended motion calling for community consultation, Mr Fraser said he did not believe his fellow councillors would support it.
Cr John Watson also believed community consultation was needed, but he would “probably be in favour because we need to move forward”.
Cr Speedie was critical of the motion, saying while she supported Cr Mahood’s statements on equality, “bringing party politics to play at our table is not appropriate”.
“This (motion) divides our community rather than unites it,” she said.
“I support it based on my own personal view but I find it completely inappropriate the way it was brought to the table.”
Cr Byatt questioned what difference the vote could make, given only Federal Parliament could change the law.
He said a co-ordinated local, state and federal government effort was needed for change or “irrefutable damage will be done to the cause”.
But seconder Cr Eric Kerr argued the council’s role was to show leadership in the community and advocate for it.