LOCAL advocates for same-sex marriage have defended council’s move to support a gay marriage proclamation by calling for greater education and acceptance.
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During their last ordinary meeting Tenterfield Shire Council voted in favour of throwing their support behind a same-sex marriage equality proclamation that was presented to them by Byron Shire Council.
Their stance has stirred controversy within sectors of the community with one church pastor calling the move “abominable”.
Speaking out against those comments, supporters have called for there to be better understanding of gay rights.
Some, who have seen or experienced first-hand the damage caused by the discrimination, said everyone deserved equal liberties.
Tenterfield High School student Dana Fitzgerald, who strongly advocates for gay rights, said while she wasn’t gay herself it was crucial others who were didn’t suffer from persecution.
“I personally believe in same-sex marriage, yeah - I think some people need to be educated better,” she said.
“I know a lesbian couple here in town who really want to get married, but are told they can’t.”
She said the torment of gay members within the Tenterfield community was an issue that has flown under the radar.
A former Tenterfield High School student who wanted to remain anonymous said as someone who was gay, he applauded council’s move to support the proclamation.
“Kudos to the Tenterfield Council for seeing that change is the way of the future.
“I feel they're going to implement a change for the better and show that Tenterfield is up for the best interest and rights of everyone,” he said.
The individual recounted his own experience and said his time at high school was so horrific he eventually left.
“School life at Tenterfield High School is definitely the roughest environment I’ve faced growing up. Daily bullying and discrimination frequented from students and eventually it even overflowed to some teachers.
He said his school attendance waned so much as a result, his enrolment was eventually cancelled.
But he said his wasn’t the only case and pushed for the issue to be given more care.
“Through our PDHPE classes there was some education provided on bullying and discrimination, however there is definitely room for more.
“Given the recent racial attack on a Brisbane train guard, it does show that (discrimination) it’s still out there and needs to be dealt with.”
A rescission motion tabled by three councillors to overturn council’s decision to support the proclamation was declined.
