Letter to the editor

I was shocked to see the inclusion of a full-page ad encouraging a no vote in the postal plebiscite on same sex marriage in the School News section of the September 2017 edition of The Galston, Glenorie and Hills Rural Community News.

Attempts to align concerns about changes to the marriage act with school children is not only misleading but completely misinformed. Additionally, the television ad produced by the same organisation that made the print ad was discredited within the first 24 hours after being released, creating concern about the validity and relevance of the print ad.

As a lesbian parent raising two young children within this community, I am disappointed with your decision to include this ad, particularly in the School News section, as it does nothing but attempt to confuse and divide what I know to be a strong and supportive local community.

My partner and I have been together since 1995 and have had to fight for fairness and equality for 22 years. We've fought for each other, we've fought for our children, we've fought for our rights and for those of others. It is often a daily battle - needing to make regular choices about standing up, being heard and refusing to accept that we are less than equal.

It is unfair and unacceptable to still be fighting for equality in 2017. However, we will continue until everyone in the community has equal rights. We each have the chance to be part of a significant change that will impact us, our children and future generations to come - let's do something to be proud of.

Hoping for change, Sue Downing