A rally in support of gay rights in Katter’s electorate

Yesterday around 70 people gathered outside Mr Katter’s office in Mount Isa in north-west Queensland to show their support for same-sex marriage.

It was the town’s first gay rights rally and organisers say there is support for equality in regional Australia.

Mr Katter has previously said he would “walk backwards to Bourke” if there was a large gay community in his electorate.

Protester James Newburrie says Mr Katter should start walking.

“I expected it to be one short, fat guy with a sign and there are nearly 70 people here in support of this cause,” he said.

Another protester said Mr Katter, who has a gay half-brother, did not want to acknowledge gay people in regional Australia.

“We all work in his community, we serve him – we’re in the shops and the banks – everything,” a protester said.

“He doesn’t want to acknowledge that we’re here, he just wants to ridicule us.”

Mr Katter has declined to comment.

Organisers say they are planning more demonstrations.

The Mount Isa Mayor says he believes the city is a safe place for homosexual couples.

Councillor John Molony says he believes the community is tolerant of same-sex couples.

“I would say any town in Australia is that way.

“And Mount Isa is no different. Mount Isa is a safe place that’s recognised internationally as a safe community.

“Yes.”

The organiser of Mount Isa’s first ever gay rights rally says the strong turn out proves there is support for equality in regional Australia.

But at a local pub across the road from the rally the crowd is anything but supportive.

Listen to David Lewis’ full report on the rally in the attached audio file.

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