A gay marriage bill is expected to be
introduced in the Australian Parliament on Tuesday.
As legislators returned to Canberra,
the capital of Australia, the front of the city's airport was lit up
with rainbow lights and a giant #WeCanDoThis sign.
The issue has a “personal
significance” for the Snow family, which owns the Canberra airport,
said Stephen Byron, managing director of the airport.
“My brother, Tom Snow, and his
husband were married last year in New Zealand with their children and
our extended family as witnesses,” he
said. “It struck me at this time how ridiculous it is that my
relationship, and my wife and children, are afforded the protection
and support of our government, yet Tom and his family are forced to
travel overseas to get married.”
“We hope that the rainbow image
across the gateway to Australia's national capital will have similar
impact to lighting up the White House after the historic US Supreme
Court ruling determining marriage equality in the US in June this
year.”
“Our family has always believed that
everyone should be treated equally and given a fair go,” he added.
Lobbying efforts also include a series
of television ads featuring Australians from all walks of life
calling on lawmakers to approve marriage equality.
(Related: Couples
invite Tony Abbott to upcoming weddings as Australia takes up gay
marriage debate.)