CWA Victoria announce their support for marriage equality

Australian Marriage Equality today welcomed the decision by the Country Women’s Association of Victoria (CWA) to support marriage equality .

At the CWA Victorian State Conference over the weekend the motion was passed satating; “That the CWA of Victoria Inc advocates for equality for all Australians under the Commonwealth Marriage Act”

The motion led by the CWA’s Social Issues Committee said the organisation was a supporter of social justice and it recognised that some women were missing out under the current laws.

“As an association of women committed  to  social  justice,  we  should  be advocates  for  all  women  whose  entitlements  and  rights  are  diminished  by continuing inequalities under present laws” the social issues committee successfully argued.

National spokesperson for the CWA said they welcomed the move to advocate for marriage equality from the Victorian branch.

“We welcome the decision by the Victorian division of the CWA to back marriage equality,” National Spokesperson Shirleene Robinson said.

“For almost 90 years the CWA has been supporting women and children across regional, rural and remote areas.

“This announcement reflects the CWA’s continued commitment to ensure every Australian has the same opportunities and is able to reach their full potential.

“We continue to see an increase in community organisations across Australia supporting marriage equality because they want to get behind their families, friends, neighbours and workmates.

“Marriage equality is about strengthening our communities by allowing everyone to make life long commitments and build a stronger and secure future not only for themselves but for Australia.

“We thank the Victorian division of the CWA for recognising the importance of this issue both to their members and the local communities they support and represent,” Robinson said.

The Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc. was formed on 12 March 1928 and today boasts over 5532 members. The organisation has 306 branches across the state.

The CWA Victoria State President Michelle Crichton told the ABC that the discussion about the proposal had been “respectful and active.”

“It is a very progressive organisation and it has always been at the cutting edge of some of the censorship issues of life,” Crichton said of the CWA.

Image: Michael Kulesza from StockSnap