*Perilous Times and Decaying Morality

Thousands protest gay marriage ban*

By Tara Ravens

August 13, 2006 09:10pm
Article from: AAP

AUSTRALIA - THOUSANDS of people protested against the Federal
Government's ban on same-sex marriage today in metropolitan and regional
centres nationwide.

The National Day of Action commemorated the 2004 ban on same-sex
marriage, passed federally with bipartisan support.

Simon Margan from Community Action Against Homophobia (CAAH) said more
was needed to be done to address homophobic violence.

“Rates of homophobic violence are increasing across Australia. We need
to combat this through an active, vibrant movement that fights
homophobic laws and (their) horrific side-effects,” Mr Margan said.

He said more than 1000 people attended a rally in Sydney, with hundreds
more gathering in the Blue Mountains.

Equal Love Rights organiser John Kloprogge said it was time for the
government to move forward.