Jim Obergefell’s name sits on one of the world’s most sweeping LGBT+ civil rights cases.
Two years ago, in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, the United States recognised same-sex marriage as a constitutionally guaranteed right for more than 320 million Americans.
Obergefell says he didn’t realise it at the time, but it was a moment that would be celebrated around the world.
By a margin of over 100 million people, America remains the largest country to have granted same-sex marriage rights to its citizens.
Following the win, he’s kept his eye on the progress of marriage equality around the world, and recently, he’s been keeping an eye on Australia.
When South Australian authorities the marriage of Marco Bulmer-Rizzi, whose husband David Bulmer-Rizzi died while on their Adelaide honeymoon, it struck Obergefell close to home; failing to be listed on his husband’s death certificate was the issue started Obergefell’s own .
While visiting Australia last year, Obergefell told SBS Sexuality that he hoped Australian politicians would pass legislation without holding a nationwide vote.
But now, as the postal survey is underway, Obergefell to aim for the biggest, most decisive ‘yes’ margin possible, “as a way to shame parliament into finally doing their duty to the Australian people”.
He notes that after visiting Ireland – which held a national referendum on same-sex marriage in 2015 – he saw pride on their faces.
"I want Australians to experience that sense of pride, the joy that comes with taking a principled stand as a people,” he added.
SBS Sexuality asked him if he had a message for those considering voting No in Australia – here’s his response in full:
“Allowing a same-sex couple to marry in no way affects any other marriage or any other Australian's right to marry, but it does mean that your LGBTQ neighbors, colleagues, friends and family members can participate fully in the civil institution of marriage.
For those who claim we're trying to change the definition of marriage, it wasn't that long ago that marriage meant a wife was the property of her husband. We no longer believe that because our understanding of marriage – of humanity, really – has evolved. It's time for all Australians, whether straight or LGBTQ, to enjoy the right to marry.
Voting yes for marriage equality takes nothing away from those who currently enjoy that right, but it does make a world of difference to those currently denied that right. Marriage equality means all couples can build a life together and create a family as equal members of Australian society. Voting against marriage equality doesn't protect marriage, it harms your fellow Australians and undermines your nation's values.
Marriage equality gives your fellow Australians a fair go, a value everyone should support.”
‘Fairness’ is a value Australia and America have in common, Mr Obargefell says, and giving everyone a ‘fair go’ is a notion the Australian ‘Yes’ campaign has latched onto in its attempt to reach middle-Australia.
Voting remains underway in Australia, with more than .
The vote will officially close on November 7, with results to be announced on November 15.
If parliament passes same-sex marriage legislation following the vote, Australia is expected to become the 25th country to legalise same-sex marriage.
Australian and Ireland are the only countries to have held votes on the issue, with same-sex marriage being decided by courts or parliamentary votes in most other cases.
