Eddie Blewett and his mums, Neroli Dickson and Claire Blewett. Photo: Ian Campbell
In September 2016 Tathra’s Eddie Blewett stole Question Time in the Federal Parliament.
Eddie travelled to Canberra with his mums Claire Blewett and Neroli Dickson and other Rainbow Families asking MP’s to stop the plebiscite on same sex marriage and to have a free vote in Parliament.
Among the politicians they met was deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek, who took up Eddie’s cause with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Question Time that day.
“He said to me and I quote, ‘Why should people who barely know us make an assumption on our families and vote on how we can live?” Plibersek said as Eddie and his mums watched in the public gallery above, as reported by Fairfax.
“Can the Prime Minister explain why Eddie should have to put up with a campaign by people who have never met him, telling him that there is something wrong with his family?,” Ms Plibersek said.
Twelve months on for Eddie and the issue is still unresolved and the hurt continues.
Eddie is returning to Canberra next week, hoping to meet with the Prime Minister.
Earlier last month, Eddie wrote to Malcolm Turnbull:
I am Eddie Blewett (14 years of age).
In answer to a question in Parliament on 13 September 2016 you referred to me by saying:
“We all welcome Eddie and his parents to the House today. We are pleased that he is here. Eddie will understand that everything we do here in this parliament is designed to ensure that Australia becomes an even better place for him to grow up in and realise his dreams.”
One of my dreams is to have my same-sex parents given the same recognition as other parents in Australia. I believe giving equal recognition to all families will make Australia a better place.
I shall be coming to Canberra with my family and others to help with the ‘Yes’ campaign.
During my visit, I should be grateful if I could meet with you and offer support for your own ‘Yes’ campaign, especially for country towns.
Eddie has given voice to the impact this ongoing debate has had on him and his family.
In Canberra, last year he spoke of being bullied around this debate, and a sense of fear and dread he lived with.
“People were saying stuff about my family – that it’s not normal, it’s not right,” Eddie told Fairfax.
Communities across South East NSW are invited to join Eddie when he returns to Canberra on Tuesday (September 12, 2017) hoping to meet with the PM.
Tayna Plibersek, Mike Kelly (Eddie’s local MP) and their colleagues will meet with Eddie, and perhaps kick the soccer ball. Families and people of all back grounds are also invited to join Eddie and his family and friends in Canberra.
Bring a picnic lunch to share on the lawns of Parliament House and your soccer boots if you are keen for a game.
We’ve Got Ya Back Eddie – Tuesday, September 12 @ 10:00, meet in front of Parliament House.
Loading ...
