A Letter From Jackie Frank: Support Marriage Equality

"When I got married more than 15 years ago, I was able to declare my love for my husband in front of my friends and family, and have it recognised under Australian law. It angers me that this basic human right is not open to all Australians. We live in the last developed, English-speaking country in the world whose leader hasn’t expressed support for marriage equality. The last one.

We’re acutely aware of this truth at marie claire. For months, we’ve been working tirelessly to secure ambassadors for our campaign supporting marriage equality. When US President Barack Obama spoke up to say he’d support same-sex marriage – and our own Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, still maintained her opposition – I knew this campaign was more urgent than ever.

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There simply comes a time when we have to speak up. Had our forebears not campaigned long and hard for women’s rights, I wouldn’t be publishing this magazine – and Julia Gillard wouldn’t be prime minister. Voices like President Obama, like New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, the UK’s David Cameron and Argentinian President Cristina Kirchner – who says she will write to Ms Gillard to urge her to champion marriage equality – have added weight to this cause.

The time for change is now. We’re imploring all MPs to vote in favour of marriage equality when bills to amend the Marriage Act go before parliament soon, and we’ve enlisted some prominent Australians to help us. I have been truly inspired by those who came forward in support, not least Wallabies star David Pocock, who is refusing to get married until all Australians can tie the knot regardless of their sexuality. That this rugby player is willing to put his dreams on hold until discrimination ends is a poignant reminder that this is, above all, a human rights issue.

This is not marie claire’s first campaign for equality on social reform. For eight long years – until it was enshrined in law in 2009 – we pushed hard on the issue of paid maternity leave.

Couples wanting to marry regardless of their sexuality should not have to wait eight years, like the mothers of Australia were forced to. Love is love. If you care about equality for all people – whether you’re gay or straight – we need your voice. Join us in our push for change.

Sign GetUp's petition to help demand marriage equality here: http://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/marriage-equality/petition/sign-and-share