Today the Chairperson of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia, Mr Joe Caputo OAM, made a statement expressing his support for marriage equality.

Mr Caputo said: “FECCA urges all Australians, of all backgrounds, to choose ‘yes’ in the marriage equality survey.”

“FECCA’s support for the principle of marriage equality was endorsed by the majority of the FECCA Executive.”

Mr Caputo continued: “Our support for marriage equality is in line with FECCA’s continuing advocacy for equality and non-discrimination across Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) society.”

“Australia must join the many other liberal, democratic nations across the world – including Ireland, Malta, Portugal and Taiwan – who have introduced marriage equality into their laws.”

Mr Caputo said: “FECCA recognises that there are diverse views across Australian society on the issue of marriage equality. I therefore welcome the leadership shown by community leaders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in supporting marriage equality.”

“Today I will be attending the launch at 1pm on the steps of Parliament House in Victoria of The YES Alliance – Multicultural Australians for Marriage Equality who supports a ‘yes’ vote in the marriage equality survey.”

FECCA encourages all Australians including those from CALD backgrounds to participate in the postal survey.

FECCA is working closely with the Australian Bureau of Statistics to ensure that individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can fully participate in the same-sex marriage survey process.

The ABS has implemented a number of measures designed to ensure access and equity for all Australians in the postal survey process, including the use of interpreters at no cost to the user.

FECCA is the peak national body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. FECCA’s role is to advocate and promote issues on behalf of its constituency to government, business and the broader community.

Media contact: (0424) 910617 / emma@fecca.org.au