A small but dedicated group of ‘Yes’ supporters hit the phones on Sunday, seeking to drum up support as postal ballots on same-sex marriage hit Dubbo mailboxes.
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Led by marriage equality advocate Nic Steepe, the Dubbo residents took part in one of many ‘phone bank’ operations being conducted across the country, aimed at gauging support as well as talking about the issue of same-sex marriage
”We’re ringing people just to see if they have received their ballots and to gauge some sense of whether they are voting yes or no,” Mr Steepe said.
“But it’s also about starting a meaningful conversation with them about why marriage equality is so important and why they should vote yes.
“If people say they are voting ‘no’ that is their right but we do try and offer a meaningful conversation around why it is important to us.
“We have had a lot of positive phone calls. A lot of answering machines but a lot of positive discussions as well.”
The issue of the postal ballot has been a hot topic for a number of weeks, and while there is a sense among the community that it is unnecessary, Mr Steepe encouraged people to return their forms once they arrive.
“Equality is a right for everyone, and people who are in a same-sex relationship have every right to be protected under the law and have every right to get married the same as heterosexual couples,” he said.
“I think the support across Australia is strong but I wanted to show there is support in Dubbo and people are willing to have the conversation and stand up for the rights of others.”
The Dubbo phone bank came on the same weekend as campaigns for both sides of the debate were launched across the country.
It also coincided with a stunt in Sydney which saw the words ‘Vote No’ spelt out by a skywriting aircraft.