Perth school girl turns down award from Ian Goodenough

A Perth school girl has turned down an award, because it’s named after Liberal MP and anti-marriage equality campaigner Ian Goodenough.

Teenager Grace Gouldstone was awarded the  ‘Ian Goodenough award for positive attitude and contribution to the school’ trophy at Duncraig Senior High School last week, but today she’ll return it to the school because of Goodenough’s position on marriage equality.

The student has written to her school principal outlining why she feels she cannot accept the award.

“I feel strongly that the sponsor of the award, Ian Goodenough MP, does not support the values of that particular award and does not reflect the values of our school as a positive and inclusive environment, promoting equality for all,” Gouldstone wrote. “As such, I reject his award.”

“Mr Goodenough publicly voted No for the same-sex marriage postal vote and to me this does not reflect the positive beliefs of valuing diversity, inclusivity and most especially equality,” she said. “There are students at our school, my friends, who have a very wonderful and positive future ahead of them in same-sex relationships. I will not accept a community award sponsored by a person who will not allow them to marry in the future.”

Goodenough told The West Australian that he respected the student’s decision saying that same sex marriage was a divisive issue in society.

OIP Staff