ANMF says end discrimination and division, enact marriage equality now

Wednesday 15th November, 2017

The country’s largest union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) welcomes the result of the marriage equality postal vote and is now urging our politicians to introduce new Legislation to stop any further discrimination against LGBTI Australians.

Federal Secretary Lee Thomas said the ANMF and its members were relieved that the majority of Australians had voted “yes”, in support of a change of law finally allowing same sex marriage.

• “The ANMF has long-campaigned for marriage equality for LGBTI Australians,” Ms Thomas said today.
• “It’s a special day for our members in same-sex relationships who can be heartened that Australians have spoken and have come out in strong support of equality – introducing a new, fairer law which will give same sex couples the same rights as the rest of the community.
• “Unfortunately, the plebiscite has created deep division within the community and as health care professionals, we acknowledge the compelling research that shows that members of the LGBTI community suffer poorer health outcomes, compared to others, as a result of discrimination.
• “This is why the division and discrimination must stop once and for all.  
• “Our politicians must respect the result of the national vote and support the introduction of a Bill allowing same-sex couples to marry by the end of the year.
• “Any other Bill, as being put forward by Conservative MPs, will be contrary to what the majority of Australians have voted for – a fair go for all.
• “The result of the plebiscite has shown that Australians have given our politicians a clear message – it’s time they listen to the Australian people and enact marriage equality.”

The ANMF, with over 259,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing in Australia.