Read our Fact Sheet, Marriage Equality and Religion.
Australian Marriage Equality today made an explicit committment to respect the religious beliefs of opponents of marriage equality, in return they hope for a commitment from opposing churches not to “inflame prejudice” during the same-sex marriage debate. This commitment has been made as part of AME’s latest publication on religion and marriage equality.
According to Australian Marriage Equality National Convener, Alex Greenwich,
“As the debate on marriage equality intensifies this year, it is important that both sides conduct themselves with maturity, respect, and committ to using truthful and factual arguements”
Mr Greenwich said he hopes both sides can start the debate by identifying common ground and shared values.
“Just like those Christian lobby, we believe in the importance of marriage, protecting families, and religious freedom… in fact we see these as three keys reasons for marriage equality”
AME’s latest publication highlights the distinction in Australian law between civil and religious marriage, lists the religions that support marriage equality, and highlights the fact that two thirds of Australian marriages are now conducted in civil ceremonies.
“Of course there are Churches who do not want to marry same-sex couples and under the proposed legislation this right will be fully protected, however there are other Churches and many civil celebrants who would perform same-sex weddings today if they had the choice.”
In related news, despite agreeing over four weeks ago to conditions for a meeting with Cardinal George Pell over the Church’s involvement in the marriage equality debate, advocates have yet to hear back from the Cardinal’s office.
The text of AME’s commitment is as follows:
“Australian Marriage Equality is committed to respecting the deeply and sincerely held beliefs of those who oppose marriage equality. We will always debate the issues at stake in a mature way that does not denigrate the views of others. We ask opponents of marriage equality, including those from faith backgrounds, to reciprocate by refraining from attacks on others that inflame prejudice, stigma or hatred. Just as we acknowledge that it is possible to oppose marriage equality without hating homosexuals, so we ask those who differ with us on this important issue to acknowledge that it is possible to support marriage equality without seeking to undermine marriage, family or religion.”
The full fact sheet can be found here:
https://www.australianmarriageequality.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/AME-fact-religion.pdf
For further information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421316335.
For further commentary on religion and marriage equality, click here and here.