A report to the August meeting of Kiama council sought council approval for supporting the ‘Yes’ campaign should a plebiscite on marriage equality proceed.

According to the report, council recently received a written request from the newly formed Inner West Council, asking whether Kiama council would be supportive of a Yes campaign, should a plebiscite on marriage equality proceed.

The report mentioned that at the National General Assembly of the Australian Local Government Association in June, the following motion, proposed by the City of Darwin, was carried: “That this National General Assembly call on the federal government to treat with dignity and respect all members of the community regardless of gender or sexuality by supporting changes to the Marriage Act to achieve marriage equality for same sex couples.”

Therefore, council’s report recommended “that council acknowledge its individual commitment to supporting marriage equality by indicating support for a Yes campaign, should one proceed”.

However, at the meeting, councillors instead resolved that council just note the report.

“I honestly can’t see what this has got to do with council,” Cr Dennis Seage said.

“We as the nine councillors represent a council who in turn represent the whole entire community.

“I don’t know what the person next door to me is thinking about this… I just think this is politicising local government, and I don’t think we should have anything to do with this whatsoever.

“It’s a conscience vote, and it’s an individual vote, and I don’t think it’s got anything to do with our representation of the community on this council.”

Cr Neil Reilly said he “totally support(ed) the idea of equality in marriage… however, within council, I don’t think it’s in our remit to endorse or otherwise this”.

“I think it’s a matter of everybody’s personal conscience, and I would encourage everybody to support equality in marriage. However, I don’t think it’s the right place for this council to be making this.”

Cr Kathy Rice also queried “what was even expected in council being supportive”.

“I believe it’s up to individuals to make up their mind on marriage equality, and I support marriage equality,” she said. 

“But what does support mean? Do they want council to financially support the campaign? Or they want council to declare itself overall as in support of the campaign? I think it’s a little bit… vague to know what we’re doing here.”

Mayor Brian Petschler said he believed the view essentially taken by all councillors that “this is something that’s really up to individuals personally… It is ultra vires for council; we have no power to act in that area”.

Therefore, the view was just to note the report at this stage.

“I personally support it (marriage equality), and I think a number of the councillors who did speak are the same,” he said.

“But is it council business? No it’s not… It’s not an issue for council to be dealing with.”