Following the bigger-than-expected turn-out across Australia for the August 1 national day of action for marriage equality, lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) activist groups are gearing up for a big year in 2010.
A new campaign, "Year of Action for Same-Sex Marriage", will be launched on November 28, two days after a Senate inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill is due to be tabled.
The inquiry has reportedly received the most submissions of any Senate inquiry in Australia: the number of submissions in favour of legalising same-sex marriage is believed to exceed 10,000.
To date, actions have been confirmed in Perth, Brisbane, Canberra, Lismore, Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney. Community Action Against Homophobia (CAAH) in Sydney will be organising an action at the Sydney Town Hall from 1pm on that day.
CAAH co-convener Ben Cooper told Green Left Weekly: "Whatever the report outcome, CAAH will be taking to the streets to demand full equality for same-sex couples. This means the immediate repeal of the homophobic ban on same-sex marriage."
Organisers believe 2010 will be the largest, most vibrant and historic campaign this country has ever seen for the civil rights of LGBTI people.
Emilia Lawonski, another CAAH co-convener, told GLW: "It is clear that public opinion is in favour of legalising same-sex marriage. A Galaxy poll in June showed 60% supported this move, up from 57% in 2007, and we intend to make sure the government feels the pressure."
As Cooper put it: "The days of growing up invisible, and being treated as second-class citizens, has to end. For too long we have been treated as if our deepest feelings are second-rate and abnormal.
"For too long we have been bullied, bashed, censored, raped and rejected. For too long we have been marginalised, vilified and silenced."
To get involved in the same-sex rights campaign, email caahsydney@gmail.com or visit www.caah.org.au.