The Australian Medical Association has rallyied in Sydney to show support for the LGBTIQ community and marriage equality.
More than a hundred medical professionals and
students have rallied in Sydney to help stop discrimination against the
LGBTIQ community and support the campaign for marriage equality.
The
Australian Medical Association rally in Martin Place was attended by
several former federal AMA presidents and current NSW president
Professor Brad Frankum, who had one message for the nation: "For
health's sake, vote yes".
"Marriage equality is a health issue ... I believe they feel they are discriminated against," Prof Frankum told AAP.
"I think discrimination has very severe long-term adverse psychological and physical health consequences and as doctors, we are all about people's health and well-being and supporting marriage equality is going to help people in the LGBTIQ community."
The Commonwealth's decision to hold the $122 million voluntary postal ballot was also criticized with Professor Brian Owler saying it was a waste of money.
"It is with some despair that we see this money wasted when we could be making a real difference to our patients," Prof Owler said.
"It is a waste of money on an issue where every poll indicates that this is something that the majority of the community supports."
The Sydney pediatric and adult neurosurgeon rebuffed statements that have come to light as a result of the campaign, insisting children aren't harmed because they lack a mother or a father and religious freedom isn't at stake because of marriage equality.
"As a doctor, I can tell you the only thing wrong with people that are gay is that they can't get married," he said.
Saturday's rally referred to the impacts of the postal ballot which has caused grief and hurt for same-sex couples and marriage equality supporters.
City of Sydney deputy mayor Professor Kerryn Phelps told those gathered it was time for the debate to end and the government to stop the discrimination.
"Marriage equality is a health issue, it has always been a health issue ... discrimination is a health determinant," Prof Phelps said.
"It is time to take action by firstly voting yes in the postal survey but then by our government to actually take positive action to end this discrimination."
More than four million marriage equality surveys have already been delivered across the country with all forms expected to be sent out by September 21.
"Marriage equality is a health issue ... I believe they feel they are discriminated against," Prof Frankum told AAP.
"I think discrimination has very severe long-term adverse psychological and physical health consequences and as doctors, we are all about people's health and well-being and supporting marriage equality is going to help people in the LGBTIQ community."
The Commonwealth's decision to hold the $122 million voluntary postal ballot was also criticized with Professor Brian Owler saying it was a waste of money.
"It is with some despair that we see this money wasted when we could be making a real difference to our patients," Prof Owler said.
"It is a waste of money on an issue where every poll indicates that this is something that the majority of the community supports."
The Sydney pediatric and adult neurosurgeon rebuffed statements that have come to light as a result of the campaign, insisting children aren't harmed because they lack a mother or a father and religious freedom isn't at stake because of marriage equality.
"As a doctor, I can tell you the only thing wrong with people that are gay is that they can't get married," he said.
Saturday's rally referred to the impacts of the postal ballot which has caused grief and hurt for same-sex couples and marriage equality supporters.
City of Sydney deputy mayor Professor Kerryn Phelps told those gathered it was time for the debate to end and the government to stop the discrimination.
"Marriage equality is a health issue, it has always been a health issue ... discrimination is a health determinant," Prof Phelps said.
"It is time to take action by firstly voting yes in the postal survey but then by our government to actually take positive action to end this discrimination."
More than four million marriage equality surveys have already been delivered across the country with all forms expected to be sent out by September 21.
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