Aussie Year 12 student Grace Gouldstone has announced she is returning an award she received at her recent graduation ceremony, because it’s sponsored by a local member of parliament who is publicly opposed to same sex marriage.
Gouldstone, a 17-year-old completing her final year at Duncraig Senior High School in Perth is refusing to keep the certificate she was awarded, titled the “Ian Goodenough award for positive attitude and contribution to the school” as she believes Goodenough, the MP for Moore, does not reflect the values the award celebrates.
In a letter to her principal, Gouldstone outlines the thoughts behind her decision:
I feel strongly that the sponsor of the award, Ian Goodenough MP, does not support the values of that particular award and does not reflect the values of our school as a positive and inclusive environment, promoting equality for all. As such, I reject his award.
A supporter of the ‘No’ campaign in the, thankfully soon to be over, same sex marriage postal survey, Goodenough has attended Coalition for Marriage events and been an outspoken opponent to marriage equality. Gouldstone continues:
Mr Goodenough publicly voted No for the same-sex marriage postal vote and to me this does not reflect the positive beliefs of valuing diversity, inclusivity and most especially equality.
There are students at our school, my friends, who have a very wonderful and positive future ahead of them in same-sex relationships. I will not accept a community award sponsored by a person who will not allow them to marry in the future.
Goodenough has since responded via his Facebook page. saying he congratulates her on her achievements regardless of her non-acceptance:
Ally’s take note: Gestures like this are an A+ way to show solidarity with your queer brethren.
Onya Grace!
