A Sydney mayor has vowed to make all gay weddings free if same-sex marriage is legalised by the upcoming vote.
Labor’s Darcy Byrne, who has just been appointed leader of Inner West Council, wants to give same-sex couples the opportunity to use public halls and community centres to house their nuptials for the first 100 days after the unions are legalised.
The inner-west has one of the largest LGBTQI communities in Australia and Byrne is hoping the move will ‘lead the charge for civil rights’, Bega District News reported.
Labor’s Darcy Byrne (pictured), who has just been appointed leader in the Inner West Council, wants to give same-sex couples the opportunity to use public halls and community centres to house their nuptials for the first 100 days after the unions are legalised
‘I will ask that our newly elected councillors formally endorse a recommendation that we make our facilities available for same-sex marriage celebrations, and that we actively invite and welcome couples wanting to use our halls,’he said (pictured)
‘I will ask that our newly elected councillors formally endorse a recommendation that we make our facilities available for same-sex marriage celebrations, and that we actively invite and welcome couples wanting to use our halls.’
In a Facebook Live session Cr Byrne publicly announced he was using all the council’s resources to back the yes campaign.
‘Its just so important that we show solidarity to the LGBTIQ community here and the thousands of progressive people here who support civil rights,’ he stated.
‘Its just so important that we show solidarity to the LGBTIQ community here and the thousands of progressive people here who support civil rights,’ he stated (stock image)
‘We’ve all got to come together and send a message to Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott that we’re going to win this thing.’
According to magazine Brides to Be the average cost of a wedding in Australia is $65,482, but if Cr Byrne’s promise to organise free venues takes flight that cost will considerably lessen for same-sex couples.
However, it doesn’t appear as though this offer extends to heterosexual couples.
Commenters on Facebook were quick to note the inequality and suggest the town halls be open to everyone.
‘In the spirit of equality you must surely repeat this offer for hetro couples…’ One person quipped (pictured at Sydney’s same-sex marriage rally)
‘In the spirit of equality you must surely repeat this offer for hetero couples…’ One person quipped.
‘Reverse discrimination? Equal rights?’ Said another.
In reply, a woman wrote that they had ‘missed the point entirely.’
‘Not necessarily. I imagine it’s a gesture to celebrate same sex marriage. It is only for 100 days,’ they said.
On a national level marriage equality rallies are still in full swing with the Coalition for Marriage’s Melbourne launch on Saturday causing controversy because it was gatecrashed by two women sharing a kiss on stage.
The results of the postal survey will be made available on November 15.