Council Opens Town Halls for Free Same Sex Marriage Ceremonies
Friday 13 October 2017
Council last night gave its full backing to inviting same-sex couples to marry free of charge in Council’s beautiful heritage halls and community centres for 100 days if marriage equality is legislated next month.
Mayor of Inner West Council Cr Darcy Byrne said it was an important initiative as the inner west must lead the national charge for civil rights on marriage equality as home to one of the largest and proudest LGBTQI communities in Australia.
"This is a generous and practical measure and shows the strength of the newly elected Council’s support for marriage equality. I am proud that the Councillors last night endorsed my mayoral minute which will see us make our facilities available for same-sex marriage celebrations, free of charge, for 100 days after marriage equality is legislated," he said.
“This is a symbolic gesture of support and celebration to a segment of our community that has had a long and frustrating fight for equality.
“These are facilities that would have been empty, so the financial impact on Council is negligible.”
The decision comes as Council installs rainbow banners across the LGA to urge local residents to support the vote for equal rights and Vote Yes in the marriage equality postal survey.
“We will be striving to have the largest Yes vote of any community in the country,” said Cr Byrne.
Council supports and engages with LGBTIQ communities in events and consultations such as the Feel the Love Mardi Gras Reception, Wear It Purple Day and an annual Rainbow Roundtable forum.
Council also raises rainbow flags every year during Mardi Gras to show support for diversity and the benefits it brings to the local community.
Council last night authorised the waiver of fee hire of Council Halls and Community Centres for any couple wishing to marry in the 100 days following legislation of same-sex marriage.
Couples making use of this symbolic offer will have the hire fee waived but will remain responsible for all other fees and charges associated with the hire, including security deposit and clean up fees.