Marriage equality message spreads across the west

A resounding Yes to marriage equality from Seddon Deadly Sins cafe. Photo by Benjamin Millar

As the ABS began posting the first of 16 million forms to homes yesterday in the survey on marriage equality, inner-west campaigners have taken their support for the ‘Yes’ campaign to the streets.

Students, unions and community groups have also been out in force encouraging voters to have their say in the $122 million voluntary survey.

Street art has been popping up across the inner-west backing the campaign, as rainbow-coloured posters flood shopfronts and house windows.

Equality campaigners in Yarraville.
Equality campaigners in Yarraville. Photo by Wil Stracke

Seddon Deadly Sins co-owner Chris Gooden, who has a giant ‘Yes’ painted on the side wall of his cafe, said the vote is a significant equality issue.

“We want to maybe sway those sitting on the fence, but more importantly encourage people to open that envelope and send in their vote,” he said.

“We are going to ask people to make their vote, then come down and sign their name on the wall showing their support.”

VU supporters of the Yes vote.
VU supporters of the Yes vote. Photo by Fiona Vander Heul / When Time Stands Still Photography

Victoria University Polytechnic students from the Community Development and Community Services are organising a range of social actions in the lead-up to the vote.

Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay councils have reiterated their support for the Yes campaign, a stance backed by the Victorian Local Governance Association.

Artwork by Baby Guerrilla in West Footscray. Photo by Benjamin Millar
Artwork by Baby Guerrilla in West Footscray. Photo by Benjamin Millar

VLGA president Marg Attley said the postal vote was an expensive and unnecessary step.

“This survey is about equal rights under the law – the rights of same sex couples to get married,” she said.

“It is not about religious freedom, freedom of speech, political correctness or the upbringing of children.”

A Yes vote urged on Francis Street, Yarraville. Photo by Benjamin Millar
A Yes vote urged on Francis Street, Yarraville. Photo by Benjamin Millar