SWAN Hill Rural City councillors are continuing to dismiss same-sex marriage as a Federal Government responsibility, despite a slew of Victorian councils passing formal motions in support of their gay and lesbian community members.
Passing a motion supporting same sex marriage does not effect any legislatory change but 17 councils in Victoria including neighbouring municipalities Buloke, Ballarat and Shepparton have voted for it, extending a symbolic gesture of support to their gay and lesbian residents.
All Swan Hill councillors bar John Katis, who approved the idea of a motion, and Jim Crowe, who declined to be interviewed, said supporting same-sex marriage was not part of local government’s mandate, with Mayor Michael Adamson labelling it an “irrelevant issue”.
“We’re not there to affirm or deny same-sex marriage or any other sort of marriage,” said Cr Adamson.
“I think it makes it very tricky if we start voting on Federal Government issues, it can blur the boundaries on what our responsibilities are,” said Cr Jessie Kiley.
There is currently no dedicated service to support same-sex attracted, trans and gender diverse Swan Hill residents, but nearby in Mildura the council has recently implemented a social inclusion plan for same-sex attracted, trans and gender diverse residents.
Mildura’s community development and safety councillor Ali Cupper said it was up to the key decision makers in the community to pave way for social change.
“There’s nothing stopping any council on having a view that’s important to a local community,” said Cr Cupper.
“We promote activities and initiatives for our indigenous and disabled communities so there’s obviously a willingness for councils to play in that space.
“There’s really no good reason to why we shouldn’t extend our assistance to our LBGTI community — they have a history of being discriminated against.”
For more on this story, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (October 28).
