Yarra City Council is thrilled that the Marriage Amendment Bill allowing same-sex couples to marry was passed in Parliament earlier this month.

Yarra Mayor Cr Daniel Nguyen said the result was truly momentous for Australia. “This is an amazing outcome for the whole Yarra community, particularly those who identify as LGBTIQA+.In Yarra we are known for and are so proud of our diverse community, and this outcome from the Federal Government will have a huge impact on the lives of many of our citizens.

“I’d particularly like to thank the LGBTIQA+ community for their resilience and perseverance during what has been a truly difficult time, as all Australians had their say on what is a very personal topic to each LGBTIQA+ individual.

“There were many allies, advocates and activists in Yarra who took a stand and spoke up for the rights of their fellow citizens whom I am very proud of and would like to acknowledge. I speak on behalf of all Yarra Council when I thank you for your support.  

“A huge shout out to the local Yarra businesses that took part in our impressive rainbow flag campaign. We circulated nine rainbow flags to businesses in Yarra, who signed and hung the flags in their shop fronts before passing on to another business. This was a beautiful and powerful way to show solidarity within our community. These flags are now on display in our libraries and town halls.

“The campaigning doesn’t stop here though. We all have a part to play to continue the ongoing support of our fellow residents, no matter their sexuality, beliefs or opinions. Keep up the great work of supporting each other and ensuring Yarra is an inclusive and loving place for all who live here,” Cr Nguyen said.

The rainbow flag will continue to be flown on the community flagpoles at Collingwood, Fitzroy and Richmond town halls up to and including 9 January 2018, the first date on which most same-sex marriages can take place in Australia.

From next year, the rainbow flag will be flown on 17 May (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia) and 8 December (the date the Marriage Amendment bill was passed by Parliament).