Local universities are beginning to show their support for marriage equality.

Monash University has become the latest to join over 690 organisations showing their support through Australian Marriage Equality. 

“Since it was founded, Monash has stood for the principles of fairness, tolerance and diversity. Support for marriage equality is consistent with these values and our commitment to championing those values,” Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner said.

Law lecturer Associate Professor Paula Gerber welcomed the University’s move to publicly embrace marriage equality.

“Such initiatives, along with... the recent launch of the Monash Queer Mentoring Scheme, send a clear message to all LGBTIQ staff and students, that they are welcome and respected,” she said.

“This has a very real and positive impact on the health and well-being of people of diverse genders and sexualities.”

Monash University launched its Queer Mentoring initiative this week, designed to equip LGBTIQ students to move seamlessly into the workplace.

Rowena Allen, Victoria’s new Gender & Sexuality Commissioner, was part of the Panel launching the Program, which was facilitated by Associate Professor Paula Gerber.

Monash says joining the growing list of Australian organisations publicly declaring their support for marriage equality was the natural next step in its steadfast commitment to social justice and non-discrimination.

The university joins many other local academic outlets in pushing for Australia to move to the right side of history.