The City of Greater Bendigo has no position on same-sex marriage despite a number of regional Victorian councils publicly backing a push to legalise the union.
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Local community and business leaders have taken a stance on the debate, which will be the subject of a national postal vote this month, with Be.Bendigo this week releasing a video and statement supporting same-sex marriage.
Four regional councils – Ballarat, Buloke, Strathbogie and Hepburn – are registered as same-sex marriage supporters on the Australian Marriage Equality website, while Campaspe Shire Council voted in favour of a motion supporting same-sex marriage at a recent council meeting.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council recently flew a rainbow flag at its Gisborne and Kyneton council offices in support of the LGBTIQ community.
Mayor Margaret O’Rourke said: “As mayor you're the spokesperson for the council and as I said we haven't discussed it in detail as a council yet."
Lockwood Ward representative Jennifer Alden has been the sole councillor to vocally support same-sex marriage, attending Be.Bendigo’s announcement on Tuesday, and speaking in favour of the move at an August council meeting.
“I consider my leadership role as a councillor to support diversity and inclusion in our community,” Cr Alden said.
“With any issue that has broad community interest there can be a expectation that leaders in the community should have an opinion. Being vocal about my support is a way of meeting that expectation.”
Council was “still discussing and considering options” of showing support, Cr Alden said, while admitting the “clock was ticking” given the postal vote could begin on September 12.
“There's still time - options are being considered,” said Cr Alden, who couldn’t elaborate further.
“I'm using my opportunity to attend events in the community and showing my support in the interim.”
Councillor James Williams described the same-sex marriage debate as a “federal issue”, but confirmed he would be voting ‘yes’.
Councillors George Flack, Yvonne Wrigglesworth, Matt Emond, Julie Hoskin, Andrea Metcalf and deputy mayor Rod Fyffe were unavailable for comment.
The federal government is currently facing a High Court challenge to its proposed postal vote, with opposers arguing it does not have the authority to spend $122 million of taxpayer funds on the survey.
A High Court ruling is expected before the end of the week.
