MEDIA

RELEASE

UNICEF: Australia needs a safer debate for children following same-

sex marriage survey result

SYDNEY, Wednesday 15 November 2017 Now that the governments national postal
survey on same sex marriage has been completed and the result announced, UNICEF
Australia encourages decision makers, community and religious leaders, the Australian
media and other stakeholders to ensure that ongoing discussion and public debate on this
matter is safe for and respectful of children and young people.

Acknowledging that this area of public policy, and the result of the national postal survey are
emotional and important subjects for many members of our community, we are taking this
opportunity to remind people to think of emotional safety and wellbeing of children who may
have parents or family members who are same-sex attracted or are same sex attracted
themselves, said Amy Lamoin, Director of Policy and Advocacy, of UNICEF Australia.

In public discussion over coming weeks we should avoid the use of derogatory remarks,
stereotypes, verbal abuse and acts of violence; be informed and evidence-based; non-
discriminatory; and inclusive, Ms Lamoin said. Discussions should be safe and respectful
for all children and young people.

UNICEF Australias views on the rights of children in regard to the same sex marriage
debate are firmly grounded in the guiding principles set out in the Convention on the Rights
of the Child: Non-discrimination (Article 2), Best interests of the Child (Article 3), and Child
participation (Article 12).

The UNICEF Australia website contains a policy statement that explains our policy in relation
to children and same-sex marriage debate in further detail.

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About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the worlds toughest places, to reach the worlds most
disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child,
everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org.au/

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For more information, please contact:

Brinsley Marlay, UNICEF Australia, 0403 604 182, bmarlay@unicef.org.au