The board of mental health awareness and support non-profit organisation beyondblue have confirmed their support for marriage equality, condemning the current exclusivity of Australia’s Marriage Act as “discrimination in the most obvious form.”
Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, Chairman of beyondblue, signed a joint statement with all 12 members of the board urging politicians to “understand the ramifications of a law that through positive discrimination causes so much unnecessary hurt, pain, mental illness and worse to some.”
Fellow signatories and board members include former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who declared her personal support last week, Deputy Chair Tim Marney and Commonwealth medalist and television personality Johanna Griggs.
“We, the Board members of beyondblue, who are professional and lay people, young and experienced, men and women, straight and gay, black and white, and who are bi-partisan in serving beyondblue, are working to reduce discrimination in our society,” the statement reads.
“We know the hurt, hardship and loss that such discrimination can cause. We direct a lot of our resources towards ending that hurt and loss.”
Beyondblue believe the lack of marriage equality add an “unacceptable layer of risk” to the LGBTI community, a community which already faces “an increased risk of depression and anxiety, substance abuse, self-harming and suicidal thoughts.”
“No law-abiding Australian citizen should be made to feel like a second-class Australian. Yet that is what the current law clearly does.”
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available;
Lifeline: 13 11 14
beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / beyondblue.org.au
QLife: 1800 184 527 (Free) / qlife.org.au
(QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTI people)
Leigh Hill
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