Embark Migration strongly supports marriage equality. We stand by the belief that same-sex couples should enjoy the same legal rights as inter-sex couples in their relationship.
On 11 February 2017, Australians will head to polling stations to have their vote on the government’s same-sex marriage plebiscite.
The team at Embark Migration have released an open letter supporting marriage equality for all members of our community. The following is the full letter we have released:
AN OPEN LETTER FROM EMBARK MIGRATION IN SUPPORT OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY
We, Embark Migration, write to express our support for marriage equality in Australia.
We believe that every single person has a right to be respected, to feel safe and welcome in our society regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. We value the belief that an individual’s sexual orientation and sex and/or gender identity are integral their own dignity and humanity.
We support the right of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) clients to live in a safe environment free from prejudice, discrimination and harassment.
We recognise that diversity makes workplaces stronger and more successful. We support the right of our LGBTIQ employees to work in a harmonious environment, enjoying the essential freedoms experienced by other employees and the broader community.
We believe that individual rights and liberties are critically important. They are essential in the creation of a healthy, harmonious and open society. An equitable society, free of discrimination, allows all employees to function at their best. This has obvious benefits for small businesses. Australia, a nation with a robust democratic tradition, would also benefit greatly from allowing all its citizens to be treated equally.
The Australian people are increasingly supportive of marriage equality, with a recent study showing 72 per cent believe same-sex couples should be allowed to marry. We agree.
Globally, over 20 countries have passed laws to allow same-sex marriage, including the United States of America, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and Great Britain – which did so with lower support for marriage equality than Australia is seeing right now. Times have changed.
Not only is marriage equality the only truly fair option, but it is also a sound economic option, given that a happy workforce is a productive one. To remain competitive, and to attract top talent from around the world, organisations – and nations – must create a fair and respectful environment for all.
Equality in the workplace works; Discrimination does not.
We support the right for all our employees to have equal opportunities in life. We therefore support marriage equality.
Sincerely,
Jeff White
Managing Director
Embark Migration
If you would like to take action and join the campaign, you can find out more at Australian Marriage Equality.