A BUNBURY couple has used the power of social media to spread a statement of love and equality prompted by comments made by a local politician.
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Local women and partners Georgia Simpson and Rhiannon Harrold felt compelled to pose for a photograph kissing outside Forrest MP Nola Marino’s Victoria Street office after she stated the South West was not ready for the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
Friend Kiandra Sproule snapped the photo and posted it on social media last weekend, describing it as a “bit of a stab at the ridiculous comments that she made on behalf of the 96,000 people she ‘represents in parliament.’”
The post has been shared on Facebook by more than 300 people and attracted widespread support.
Ms Sproule said while they were shocked by how quickly the post spread, the outpouring of support was not a surprise.
“While there’ll always be a small number of keyboard warriors or internet trolls, our experience as LGBTI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender identifying] people in the South West has been largely positive,” she said.
While there’ll always be a small number of keyboard warriors or internet trolls, our experience as LGBTI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender identifying] people in the South West has been largely positive.
The Bunbury Mail reported last week that Mrs Marino believed the law should not be changed at this time due to the divisive nature of the contentious issue.
She said many people across the South West and Australia still agreed with the Marriage Act’s definition as “the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”
A poll published at bunburymail.com.au has attracted more than 1000 votes with more than 80 per cent of respondents voting for same sex marriage.
Ms Sproule clarified that while she and her friends do not agree with the federal government’s stance, it was not a personal attack on Mrs Marino and they were aware of the constraints on her as a member of a major party.
The three women want to use the publicity generated by the social media post to build on the South West’s support services for the LGBT community.
“In a regional area the risk of social isolation is even greater,” Ms Sproule said.
“We would like to be a proactive part of making a difference where that is concerned.”
Marriage equality rallies across the country have called for a cross-party, free conscience vote after federal politicians return to Canberra in August after their winter break.
Click here to read an opinion piece on marriage equality written by the three local women.
