Advocates choose Yes campaign over postal vote boycott

Marriage equality advocates have announced they will actively campaign for a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming postal plebiscite on marriage equality, after consulting with the LGBTI community.

The survey of 5,261 LGBTI Australians across all demographics found that 88.7% oppose a postal vote on marriage equality, but 56.5% want to win it if it happens. 22.1% did support a write in campaign, while just 15% supported a boycott.

Veteran marriage equality campaigner Rodney Croome says “the only thing worse than having this unrepresentative, non-binding, expensive, divisive postal vote is losing it.”

“Two weeks ago we surveyed the LGBTI community about how to respond to the postal vote and the majority said, if it can’t be stopped, win it.”

Croome says while the hopes a High Court challenge to the legitimacy of the vote would be successful, but marriage equality supporters need to be ready to win the postal vote regardless.

“Our first priority will be working with local advocates in regional Australia to encourage young people to enrol to vote and update their contact details.”

“Then we will focus on mobilising our contacts across Australia to have ballots returned.”

Croome says the campaign’s message will be to vote ‘Yes’ if you want a fairer Australia.

Croome added that he respects those who do not wish to participate in the postal vote, but urged them to seriously reconsider their position.

“I urge everyone considering boycotting the vote to seriously consider if they can throw their ballot in the bin after so many people have worked so hard for so long to achieve marriage equality.”

OIP Staff