With the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey on the horizon, Macedon Ranges council is showing support for the LGBTIQ+ community.
Councillor Natasha Gayfer moved that council “promote the position taken by the Macedon Ranges Local Safety Committee in supporting marriage equality”.
She also moved at the council meeting on August 23 that the council fly the rainbow flag at Kyneton and Gisborne council centres during the survey period and help promote the local LGBTIQ+ group Open Houses Macedon Ranges.
“This motion is not about telling our residents how to fill out their postal survey,” Cr Gayfer told the council.
“The motion is purely about supporting a community who are struggling during marriage equality discussions.
“We have a responsibility to show leadership on an issue that is damaging community cohesion.”
Mayor Jennifer Anderson agreed the council was in a position to make people feel included.
“It is up to people to vote the way they want to vote, but it is up to us as council to ensure that all our residents, and anyone who visits our shire, feels safe and included,” she said.
Cr Henry Bleeck spoke against the motion, saying he didn’t think it was council business. Seven councillors voted to support the motion, while Cr Bleeck voted against. Cr Roger Jukes was absent.
