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Sunday's gay rights rally held outside the office of Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has encouraged the controversial Australian Sex Party (ASP) to have a candidate to run in Mount Isa.
The protest, led by gay rights advocate James Newburrie, attracted approximately 70 supporters who could be seen waving placards and chanting catchcries on Simpson Street.
ASP spokesperson Fiona Patten said the party was still in the beginning processes of arranging for a candidate to run in the region in time for the 2012 Queensland state election.
"It's almost 90-per-cent certain that we will be running a candidate in the near future, we believe people are ready for a civil libertarian view in politics," she said.
The ASP were approached by Mr Newburrie to auspice the rally and have since given their full support behind the campaign.
Ms Patten said the party was elated with the outcome of Sunday's demonstration.
The point behind the rally, by James Newburrie
"We weren't expecting that many (attendees), but we were happy to support it whether it was James on his own or a cast of thousands."
Ms Patten said that while many discriminatory laws against gay and lesbian couples have been successfully abolished, the national Marriage Act must be altered to "take Australia into the 21st century."
"Fundamentally it comes down to discrimination. The Marriage Act is a piece of legislation, and no Australian legislation should discriminate against people on the grounds of their sexuality," Ms Patten said.
While supporters of the campaign continue to spread its message, Ms Patten said she was also aware of a similar campaign that was taking place in Ballarat, Victoria.
Ms Patten said she hoped the demonstration would encourage like-minded people in surrounding areas to voice their support.
"I'm sure this one will inspire many more to follow in the footsteps of Sunday's rally ... it's difficult to cover all (geographic) areas, so it's really wonderful there is a support base in Mount Isa to back it."
Source: The North West Star
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