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10 THE WEEKLY TIMES Wednesday 18 October, 2017 A DAMNING report released this week by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has blamed the current massive surge in electricity bills on the State Government’s privatisation policy. The Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey 2017 closes 7 November. Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry? This is your chance to have your say on whether Australian law should be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry. Just answer ëyesí or ënoí on the form. Put it in the Reply Paid envelope and mail it back straight away. Survey responses must be received by 7 November. Your response will be completely condential. Have your say. Information Line: 1800 572 113 | Visit: www.marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au Bennelong MP John Alexander tests out the playground equipment at Truscott Street Public School’s recent Fete. Mr Alexander is currently walking 100 kilometres across the electorate to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation. POLICE NEWS Five arrested in Macquarie Park shoplifting operation FIVE accused shoplifters were caught by Ryde Police during a blitz of Macquarie Shopping Centre last Thursday. ****
YES or NO? Wednesday 18 October, 2017 THE WEEKLY TIMES 11 Two key local campaigners from both camps state their case With only weeks until the close of the postal survey on same sex marriage, two prominent local community leaders put the case for the NO and YES sides. The postal survey closes on Tuesday, November 7 and asks “should the law be changed to allow same sex marriage - Yes or No ?” The key part of the question is around the term “marriage”, regarded by many Christians as a Sacrament and more than a lawfully binding union of a couple. Prime Minister Malcolm NO victory would not see the issue debated in Federal Parliament but a majority YES outcome will trigger further debate and MPs are then expected to agree to a conscience vote on the issue. YES advocates believe same-sex couples should not face any form of discrimination because of their sexuality and the matter is a matter of basc human rights, equality and principle. A major concern among NO advocates is that religious ministers may be subject to anti-discrimination penalties for refusing to marry same sex couples. Federal member for North Sydney, Trent Zimmerman puts the case for a YES reponse to the survey, while former Epping state MP Greg Smith puts his case for the NO side. Mr Zimmerman supports the YES campaign vote and hopes the vote will send a message of hope to other gay people that they can be proud of who they are. “Some have said to me this is not an issue I need person’s sexuality is irrelevant in this day and age,” he said in a speech in federal parliament. “But too many people are prepared topeddle prejudice. “Our laws still deny access to marriage, our society’s ultimate expression of love andcommitment. “Young gay men and women are more likely other mental healthissues; they are more likely to be bullied at school. ”More are likely to attempt to take their own lives and tragically some will succeed. “Coming out remains hard for many people and believe me, I know what that’s like. “A person’s sexuality is not a choice or a preference, it is as innate asthe colour of their skin.” “As a liberal I regard economic freedoms as the inseparable twin of personal liberty.” Mr Smith said the ‘No’ case pressed by the Coalition for Marriage warns survey respondents of the fact that none of the proposed bills to amend the Marriage Act, to allow two people of the same sex to marry, contain protections for freedom of religion and freedom of expression for persons other than priests, ministers and authorised marriage celebrants. “So, if you choose ‘Yes’ you give their Parliamentary supporters a free kick to ignore important rights which parents and all of us currently enjoy,” he said. “I agree with the Coalition for Marriage who urge that there is now less than one month to go in the postal plebiscite. “If you are concerned about radical gay sex and gender classes becoming widespread and compulsory in schools, you must choose ‘No’. “If you are concerned dom of speech you must choose ‘No’. “If you are concerned about protecting religious freedom you must choose ‘No’.” The Weekly Times Managing Editor John F Booth talks with NO campaigner Greg Smith (left) and YES advocate, North Sydney MP Trent Zimmerman (above, left). TWT on-the-spot Photos.
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