Wellington Queer Fair Committee

Media Release - October 9th, 2013

Out in the Square Celebrates Marriage Equality

Out in the Square 2014 is gearing up to be one the best queer fairs Wellington has ever seen. Held on January 18th at Civic Square in central Wellington, the fair will be celebrating Marriage Equality with a free concert from one of New Zealand’s favourite singers.

The upcoming fair will feature an internationally successful act for the first time, to celebrate marriage equality passing into law. It will be a great opportunity for businesses and community groups to be seen and for sponsors to contribute to a great cause.

“Next year’s Fair will be bigger and better than ever, volunteers have been working hard all year to put together a day to remember and the Marriage Equality Bill is a great reason to celebrate being queer” Says Greig Wilson, Co-Chair of the Out in the Square Committee.

The Marriage Equality Bill passed its third reading on April 17. The first same sex marriages were celebrated just after 8.30 a.m. on August 19 when the Bill became law and paperwork was delivered to the waiting couples. New Zealand is the fifteenth country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage.

Steven Mawhinney, Co-chair, encourages everyone to make a weekend of it in Wellington as Out in the Square 2014 kicks off a host of parties over Wellington’s Anniversary Weekend. The annual Pool Party will be held the evening of the fair, and the official After Party will be held on Sunday evening to take advantage of the Monday being Wellington Anniversary. “This is shaping up to be a weekend locals and visitors won’t want to miss”, says Mawhinney.

Out in the Square was established in 1986 as a “fair for a fair law”, the event is run by a volunteer committee whose members work throughout the year to organise entertainment, co-ordinate stalls and arrange sponsorship of this unique event.

Stall applications are still open and both community organisations and businesses are encouraged to apply and secure a spot. Extra volunteers will also be needed on the day, email Out in the Square to show your interest. To sponsor the event contact the Sponsor Liaison Team.

ENDS

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