Glen Innes fire station has a rainbow flag flying above it signifying support for the “yes” side in the plebiscite on the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The bill-board outside which normally has safety messages, urging people to take care with fires and the like has the simple word “yes” on it.
Station Officer Matt Goldman said it was important to promote equality. “We are an employer who employs people from all different backgrounds and we would like to make people comfortable in the workplace and in the community,” he said.
One passer-by said; “I think it’s great. I never thought I’d see that in Glen Innes.”
Others have been less supportive, though Officer Goldman said there had been no angry, hostile reaction. People have been polite.
The national debate has not had an obvious public profile in Glen Innes, though, some Christian groups have been debating the matter.
One campaigner against, James Gresham from Glen Elgin, has been emailing hundreds of people in the community, presenting arguments against legalisation.
“Essentially, the institution of Marriage has a reason, a purpose”, he said, “It is not simply an excuse for a party, or a nice label. I will be voting No.”
.