The Institute of Managers and Leaders believes that Inclusion Matters. We publicly support a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming Same Sex Marriage Plebiscite, which was announced by the Federal Government last month and will take place between September 12th and November 7th 2017.

 

Whilst we acknowledge the diversity of opinion on all matters across our national and international Membership, ultimately the issue of same sex marriage is a question of social equality. Our organisation is only as good as our Membership and staff, and we believe that they should be regarded as equal regardless of race, gender, age, religion or sexuality.

 

We believe that on issues that are, at their core, issues of equality, discrimination and prejudice, we cannot stand silent on the sidelines. The Institute’s decision to support a ‘Yes’ vote is based on the following premise;

 

The Institute rejects all forms of inequality, discrimination and prejudice both in the workplace and in broader society. Put simply, in Australia a man and a woman are able to be legally married, whereas two people of the same sex are not. In the view of the Institute, this amounts to discrimination and unequal treatment on the basis of sexuality.

 

The Institute’s stance on this issue is a natural extension of the Inclusion Statement that we released last year. Written in consultation with members of the LGBTIQ+ community, this statement has been enthusiastically embraced by our Members and others. It is delivered immediately after the Acknowledgement of Country at the Institute’s management and leadership focused events around Australia.

 

The Institute’s Inclusion Statement is as follows:

‘The Institute of Managers and Leaders believes that Inclusion Matters. As the peak body for managers and leaders, we feel that it is important to recognise and value everybody – both in the workplace and in the broader community. We recognise the importance of allowing all people to feel comfortable and proud of who they are, and we acknowledge equally the contribution of people of all sexes, genders, sexualities, religions, cultures and races’.

 

The Institute’s support of a ‘Yes’ vote will include the following activities:

• Use of the new Marriage Equality Logo at times during the voting period
• Publication of this notice of support in the Leading Edge Member Newsletter
• Pledging support on www.equalitycampaign.org.au

 

The Institute of Managers and Leaders is immensely proud that our Members and staff are engaging in the conversation around the Same Sex Marriage Plebiscite in a respectful and sensitive manner. As the representative professional body for managers and leaders, we are proud to be part of the marriage equality movement helping Australia create a better society.

 

On behalf of the staff, the management and the Board of Directors, we thank you for your continued support of this wonderful Institute.

 

 

David Pich FIML, Chief Executive

 

Ann Messenger FIML, Chair of the Board