Same-sex marriage stoush

The leader of an Albany gay rights group has called Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson out of touch with members of his electorate on the controversial issue of marriage equality.

Albany Gay and Lesbian Group leader Sarah Schouten said Mr Wilson’s stance opposing legalising same-sex marriage did not represent strong support for marriage equality in Albany and the Great Southern.

“It’s really frustrating that Rick Wilson is vowing to go against supporting same-sex marriage,” Ms Schouten said.

“He’s basically denying a human right to treat everyone equally.

“For him as our representative, he is not representing the majority of views on same-sex marriage.”

Mr Wilson’s unwavering position supports the traditional definition of marriage between a man and a woman.

He said his stance remains “rock solid” and unlikely to change.

“I’m very comfortable with my position,” Mr Wilson said.

“I don’t have any ill-feeling … against those who may have a contrary point of view.

“I’m conscious of the fact that there is a lot of support for same-sex marriage.”

Mr Wilson supports Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s decision to hold a plebiscite within a year, pending the outcome of the Federal election.

“I think that’s the correct position to take on a very important social change that may or may not take place,” he said.

Ms Schouten’s personal view is a plebiscite would be a waste of taxpayer’s money.

She said polls showed the majority of Australians supported the Government legalising same-sex marriage, including people in Albany and the Great Southern.

A recent poll by theAlbany Advertiser on Facebook drew 248 responses.

Eighty-one per cent, or 201 people, were in favour, while 19 per cent, or 47 people, were against marriage equality.

On Tuesday, a rainbow crossing appeared on York Street to coincide with International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

IDAHOT Day was created in 2004 to draw attention to discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersexual people.

Ms Schouten said Albany Gay and Lesbian Group received positive feedback in response to the colourful statement.

“For the group it shows that there is a lot of support in Albany for our community,” she said.