NSW union backs marriage equality campaign

Australian Marriage Equality (AME) has welcomed support from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) for its campaign to legalise same-sex marriage.

The motion to support the fight for marriage equality was put to the union’s delegates at its 71st Annual Conference and NSWNMA general secretary Brett Holmes said it passed overwhelmingly.

AME national spokesperson Shirleene Robinson said: “NSWNMA recognises that marriage equality is about real people, their families, friends, colleagues and the inspiring people they care for on a daily basis.”

Holmes said all Australians deserve the right to equality and to have loving relationships recognised by law. “A same-sex partner should have recognised legal rights when it comes to dealing with births and deaths and other times of crisis or joy,” he said. “We also believe our members in same-sex relationships should have those very same rights as the rest of the community."

He added: “The NSWNMA believes in equitable access to healthcare, regardless of your sexual preference.”

The union’s support comes in the lead up to a possible plebiscite on the matter. AME’s Robinson said: “While we believe marriage equality can be achieved by a simple vote in the parliament, if a plebiscite is imposed upon us, we welcome the support and backing from organisations like the NSWNMA.”