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CARLTON board member and national Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins has made a passionate statement in support of same-sex marriage.
Questions had been raised about Ms Jenkins position on the matter, following Carlton’s non-committal statement on the AFL’s campaign to back the Yes vote for marriage equality.
In a statement to the Herald Sun, Ms Jenkins said: “I absolutely support marriage equality.
“As the Australian Human Rights Commission has made clear, the fundamental human rights principle of equality means that civil marriage should be available to all couples, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.
“All people should have equal treatment before the law and this means that all people should be able to marry the person they love.”
While Ms Jenkins’ comments do not directly support Carlton’s public statement, the Herald Sun understands she was involved in its drafting and backs the club’s position.
Sources also say Ms Jenkins doesn’t believe the club’s statement is at odds with her role as Sex Discrimination Commissioner as it expressly supported equality and same-sex marriage is ultimately an issue of equality.
Ms Jenkins, speaking in her role as commissioner, added: “The Commission also supports the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and has advised Government on how the legal definition of civil marriage can be amended, while maintaining existing religious freedom protections.
“I encourage all people to participate in the marriage survey, and I respect peoples’ right to make their own decision in this matter.”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/afl-marriage-equality-leagues-yes-call-divides-footy-world/news-story/e44e7b0d9377c035a8e4611df7ceea02