The Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) has thrown its support behind the ‘yes’ campaign for marriage equality.
PRIA president Jenny Muir said it was simply the right thing to do.
“As a leading industry body that has committed to a diversity and inclusion policy, we have an important role to play in promoting inclusion and equality,” she said.
“Our members embrace people of different backgrounds, as this reflects our diverse nation and helps us engage our diverse audiences as well as bringing new ways of working and thinking.
“We believe it’s important for people to feel valued and free from prejudice. It’s why we researched and released our first Diversity and Inclusion policy in 2016.
“The PRIA recognises that all members, including lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and intersex employees, will only reach their full potential and make their fullest contribution to our businesses and our clients’ success if they feel comfortable and accepted for who they are.
“We want LGBTI people to know that they are not just valued and welcomed, but empowered to think freely and to be themselves.
Muir said PRIA’s own research shows that 18 per cent of PR and communications practitioners identify as diverse in sexual orientation, gender or identity.
“We stand with these much loved and valued members of our industry. We join with many other leaders in business by saying ‘yes’,” she said.
Muir also called on practitioners to lead the way when it comes to talking about same-sex marriage.
“We understand that there will be differing points of view,” she said.
“As professional communicators bound by a Code of Ethics, we should do our best to ensure that debate on this topic is respectful and informed.”
PRIA’s Diversity and Inclusion policy can be found here.
