Cr Dave Fuller has asked Wangaratta voters to consider the positive outcome saying “yes” to same-sex marriage could have when they fill out their postal survey.
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He took the opportunity to speak at Tuesday’s meeting, saying his concerns were for young LGBTI people.
“I stand committed to the cause for equality and I commend the number of local people who have supported this both online and more recently, with the increase in publicity in public spaces such as shopfronts,” he said.
“Through this plebiscite I personally feel that a divide has been widened and it’s my concern that a younger generation of adults finding themselves in the world, but ineligible to vote, will miss this opportunity to voice their influence.”
The councillor was worried youths might be unsure of the support available.
“As my personal view supports the cause, I equally recognise the many sides of the debate and certainly encourage a polite discourse when discussing the subject,” Cr Fuller said.
“I encourage them to use their vote to ask for help if required, to seek guidance and to hold tight for our process, and hopefully the end result will be a more tolerant understanding.
“I personally would prefer millions of dollars were not spent and I hope there is an equitable, just and fair outcome as marriage equality is more than just a piece of paper for most of this community.”
His statement was met with applause from the public gallery.
