Pledge Yes - Australian Marriage Equality
Pledge Yes! It’s official. The plebiscite is going ahead. Get on board the official equality campaign here: http://www.equalitycampaign.org.au/ If we want to win the campaign, we all have to fight together. We’ve put together a few useful links for you to get started and to help connect you with some relevant sites and information.
Fairness and equality are at the heart of Australian society. Here are some things you can do if you believe our laws should reflect these values of which we are most proud.
Information on the Marriage Equality Plebiscite
Check out this article which gives a great run down of what the plebiscite is all about and what you should expect. It’s inevitable. It’s happening. Let’s be prepared by being knowledgeable about the processes involved.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/08/15/marriage-equality-postal-plebiscite-what-you-need-to-know_a_23077619/
When will ballots be sent out?
Ballots will be sent out from September 12. You should expect to see your ballot soon after 12 September. Returning your YES vote straight away is the best way to make sure your vote for marriage equality counts.
When should I aim to return my form by?
Returning your YES vote straight away is the best way to make sure your vote for marriage equality counts. You don’t want to lose your ballot or forget! Your ballot must reach the ABS by 6pm November 7th, 2017. The ABS strongly encourages you to return forms by October 27.
When will the result of the plebiscite be announced?
The results will be announced on November 15.
What happens if the YES vote wins?
A bill still needs to pass the parliament for marriage equality to be successful, regardless of the result of the plebiscite.
>If a YES vote wins, the government has said it will allow its MPs a free vote (meaning all members and senators can vote however they like) on a private members’ bill for same-sex marriage. Many governments MPs have pledged to follow the result of the postal plebiscite, but others have said they will ignore it or just use it as a guide.Why are the ABS calling this a ‘postal survey’ and not a plebiscite’?
This is because it is being conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) not the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). The ABS has a mandate to collect statistics, but not to conduct elections.
Pledge Yes – How can I help?
Pledge Yes – How can my organisation help?
The Australian Marriage equality campaign are asking all businesses – big and small – to show their support for the Pledge Yes campaign. http://www.australianmarriageequality.org/organisations-that-support-marriage-equality/
If you want more information – here’s a handy list of positive news articles to get your teeth stuck into. http://www.australianmarriageequality.org/open-letter-of-support/#positive news articles
Where does YOUR MP stand on the Mariage Equality Debate?
Find out what your MP really thinks. If you’ve got an MP in support – send them your thanks! If you’ve got one voting for the No campaign, take this opportunity to write to them and tell them how marriage equality will affect you personally. Give them details, examples and scenarios that show them that you’re a real person and that marriage equality means more than just having a marriage certificate.
http://www.australianmarriageequality.org/whereyourmpstands/
Keep up to date on all things Marriage Equality
Who else is going to Pledge Yes?
Many big corporations are showing their support for the pledge yes campaign. It’s a world-wide event – Australia just need to jump on board the ship and stop delaying the inevitable!