The following news item is in the "Sun Herald" Sunday, March 4, 2001 Home > National > Article. It is the leading Sunday paper in Sydney, Australia.
"Proud Mardi Gras families send message to Howard
Let's samba: Rene Rivas on the Latin American float.Photo: AFP
By Christine Sams
After the traditional roar of motorbike engines from Dykes On Bikes, last night's Mardi Gras parade began with a political statement from gay and lesbian parents.
A large group of gay parents marched with their children behind the slogan Children Of The Rainbow.
Kathy Sant, designer of the lead float, the Pink Picket Fence, said the main message was that lesbians and gay men had families too.
"We love our families and our community and we want to celebrate it," she said.
Ms Sant said the theme was inspired by Prime Minister John Howard's suggestion last year that gay and lesbian families were not as good as the traditional concept of mother and father.
"It's really hurtful to families and especially the children," she said.
A gay father and his straight daughter marched side by side.
Richard has been watching, volunteering or participating in the parade since 1978 but this is the first time he has attended with Rebecca, 27.
"This year, we are saying gay men and lesbians have the right to be parents," Richard said. "We make good parents."
They are part of a NSW gay and lesbian rights lobby float which is raising awareness that gays and lesbians do not have equal rights in parenting and superannuation.
"Also, the age of consent for gay men is 18, whereas for straights and dykes it's 16," Richard said. "We are lobbying to get this changed."
Rebecca, attending her first Mardi Gras, said: "It's great. I'm here to support my Dad. The rights of gays and lesbians are important. I want to show how proud I am of my Dad."
Mardi Gras officials and police estimated spectator figures to be about 100,000 down on last year's figure of 500,000.
"I'd like to think it was the weather," said Julie Regan, president of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
"We are not disappointed. We're just glad people went away after having such a good time."
Surry Hills Local Area Commander, Police Superintendent Gary Hodsdon said the general behaviour of the crowd was "excellent".
"It was a happy mood, a joyous mood," he said.
Seven people were arrested for assault, breach of the peace and malicious damage. Several spectators were treated for minor cuts and injuries.
The issue of reconciliation was a key theme, with indigenous gays and lesbians calling for a treaty from the Federal Government.
The thousands watching the parade remained in good spirits despite wet weather. "This is just awesome, it's so much fun," said Sam Ritchie, of Burwood, who was with her boyfriend, Eliot Coleman.
"It's relevant to us," she said. "We think gay people belong in our community. They have every right to be happy."
Tim Wainwright, 21, of Dee Why, who was with Christian protesters, said: "This doesn't do any good for the stability of the family. It's not morally right."
