A bright flash of rainbow colours and two impassioned speeches from the LGBTI community failed to convince councillors to fly the rainbow flag at Monday night’s council meeting.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Wagga mayor Greg Conkey introduced a motion to open up the debate and said even though he had voted “yes” in the same-sex marriage postal survey, he did not support flying and flags other than the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
“These flags represent all people in this country,” he said. “I support flying the (rainbow flag) at any event that supports the LGBTI community, but this urges people to vote a certain way and as such I cannot support that at this time.”
Former deputy mayor Ray Goodlass wore a rainbow-sequinned vest as he addressed the chamber, encouraging councillors to show leadership in the community.
“At least 10 per cent of your constituents are LGBTI,” Mr Goodlass said. “They have always felt like second-class citizens, but this would be a clear indication that they are recognised as important members of society.”
Rainbow Riverina spokeswoman Kat van der Wijngaart said there was still significant discrimination in Australian society.
“A teacher (told her daughter Zara) that if she didn’t want to be bullied, she shouldn’t be so out and proud about being gay,” Ms van der Wijngaart said. “This is not a lifestyle choice, who would choose a life of persecution?”
Councillor Dan Hayes leapt to his feet to move an amendment, which would see the flag hung from banner poles on Baylis Street.
“There are a number of members of our community exposed to a nation casting judgement on their relationships,” Cr Hayes said. “All we ask is to show a small gesture, an act of kindness, to say ‘we support you’ during this divisive time.”
However, Cr Paul Funnell said publicly supporting same-sex marriage was outside the realm of local government.
“This debate asks us to single out one section of the community and creates division in the community,” he said. “Ultimately, if council shows support for one group, it inherently says this is what the community should think.”
While the proposal to fly the rainbow flag was defeated five votes to four, councillors did pass a motion to support the LGBTI community.