Marriage equality advocates have applauded the inclusion of Australian LGBTI champions in today’s Queens Honours List.

The Equality Campaign have celebrated the acknowledgement of Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid and the late Peter Bonsall-Boone and his partner Peter de Waal for their years of fighting for marriage equality.

“It is great to see the incredible efforts of Peter and Bon acknowledges as Members (AM) in the Order of Australia,” said Anna Brown of The Equality Campaign.

“After all these years, it is a genuinely poignant moment that these two wonderful Australians who were dedicated to achieving equality for LGBTI people are being so proudly acknowledged.”

Brown added that the timing of the honour is tinged with sadness in the wake of Bonsall-Boone’s passing, and is a reminder for many Australians that time is not on their side in the fight for marriage equality.

“For more than 50 years Peter and Bon were at the forefront of the equality movement in Australia. It is great to see their life long efforts are being honoured and their struggle for acceptance and equality for all LGBTI Australians recognised in our history,” Brown continued.

“Having worked closely with Peter and Bon on the expunging of criminal histories for LGBTI Australians, this honour could not be a more fitting tribute to two very special people.”

OIP Staff