Jul 01 - ERG: “We Can And Will Be Equal!”
The Equality Rights Group says it has been working overtime to keep up with all the expressions and messages of support received following the launch of its ‘One Civil Marriage Law For All’ campaign late May.
The group says that the support has been truly overwhelming from across the whole community adding that for anyone who keeps up with the news, “the clear and mounting evidence is there for all to see.”
“We ourselves weren’t quite prepared for the scale of support to come, the fruit of 15 years of hard work and campaigning. The silent majority has clearly found its voice,” Chairman Felix Alvarez added.
“Neither we nor anyone else should have been surprised, however,” Alvarez went on to say.
“The signs were already there. In November 2014 we published the result of an open Consultation across the whole community, and over 90% urged us to demand Equal Marriage.
“There must be no let-up. It is up to all of us to continue making the message crystal clear to our politicians and parties: One Civil Marriage Law For All! Firm manifesto commitments, no passing the buck!
“A very big special thank you goes not only to the LGBT community at large, but also to the rapidly growing number of straight allies and supporters, religious and non-religious alike, who are all increasingly standing shoulder to shoulder with us demanding real equality for all now, often dissenting with their own institutions. It has been an eye-opener, and we are truly touched by their humanity.
“We take the opportunity on the occasion of the publication of our second Campaign advertisement today in the Gibraltar Chronicle, to reassure the many supporters and well-wishers of all stripes who are following the Campaign, that ERG has only just started. There is more to come and we will be making each stage public via the media and online at the appropriate times and in accordance with developments. We can – and we will – be equal! And we will do it not with triumphalism or hate, but with humility and strength, welcoming all on board with Equality, however late in the day. There is no room for rancour.
“Our first advertisement coincided with the important vote in Ireland. This, our second Campaign spot, comes hot on the heels of the USA’s nationwide landmark decision in favour of marriage equality. Inequality in marriage legislation in Gibraltar is clearly no longer acceptable either,” Mr Alvarez ended.
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