“The motion before us is specifically worded so as to avoid being too preachy or bossy,” he said. “I understand that most councillors in this place do support same-sex marriage privately. “It’s crucial that this support manifests as a motion from council. Now is the time for all of us to show leadership and clearly state our positions as elected representatives. “It’s not telling residents that they must vote yes. It is encouraging them to consider voting yes. This will prompt undecided Brisbane residents to further consider arguments in favour of recognising same-sex marriage and to seek more information about the issue. “In putting this motion to the chamber, I implore other councillors to remember that your words both here in these meetings and out in the community can have far-reaching impacts and ramifications.

“Cruel and thoughtless sentiments expressed by public figures have a direct impact on the mental health of residents in your electorate. "So please be kind and respectful in your discussions about this topic and advocate to your constituents that they should vote yes.” Lord Mayor Graham Quirk was quick to move an amendment to Cr Sri’s motion, arguing the public did not like to be told by the government how to vote. “Our position would be that the council organisation should not be using its resources to promote either side of the debate as council is tasked in representing all ratepayers equally,” he said. Cr Quirk moved the revised amendment, that was seconded by the Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

“That Brisbane City Council encourages all eligible Brisbane residents to participate in the Australian marriage law postal survey,” the revised amendment said. Cr Johnston, for Tennyson, said the amendment substantially changed the intent of the original motion. “This council doesn’t even want to publicly admit that it supports marriage equality,” she said. “This council in this motion is disavowing its May decision.” In May 2016 the council officially supported same-sex marriage.

In the 2016 conscience-vote on whether the council supported legislation of marriage between consenting adults regardless of sexuality and gender identity, 19 councillors voted yes while five LNP councillors voted no and one LNP councillor abstained. Cr Johnston said she was concerned the Lord Mayor was hiding and wouldn’t make his own personal position clear. “He basically wants this council to resile from its decision in May,” she said. “That is not good enough.” LNP councillors were quick to move and support the amendment, which prompted opposition councillors along with Nicole Johnston to start yelling across the chamber and call LNP councillor Vicki Howard gutless.

Councillor Steve Griffiths said the LNP councillors should hide in shame. Cr Johnston and Cr Griffiths both left the chamber, abandoning the remainder of the meeting. “What’s the point, this is a betrayal of the LGBTIQ community,” Cr Johnston said. Cr Sri said he was very disappointed in the amendment and in the way the debate had been handled. "It shows that this council is unwilling to engage in meaningful debate about tricky issues," he said.