Australia’s marriage equality advocates say a claim by the Australian Christian Lobby that same-sex marriage will lead to polygamy is a desperate scare tactic that shows it have no real case against reform.
Australian Marriage Equality National Convener, Alex Greenwich, said polygamy has not been legalised in any of the countries which allow same-sex couples to marry.
“In Australia the definition of marriage is quite clear – it is a loving committed union freely entered into by two people, something which can easily encompass same-sex partners but which is fundamentally different from polygamy which is usually one man marrying and lording it over several women.”
“By using a desperate scare-tactic like the threat of polygamy, the Australian Christian Lobby is showing it has no real case against allowing same-sex couples to marry.”
Mr Greenwich said he is disappointed the Christian Lobby has yet to reciprocate the commitment made by his group to a respectful and mature debate on marriage equality, and has instead condoned hatred.
In recent statements the Australian Christian Lobby has questioned IBM and ANZ’s withdrawal of sponsorship from On Line Opinion in response to a post on that site calling for homosexuals to be murdered
Mr. Greenwich: “We stand by our pledge to conduct this important public debate with respect and call on opponents of reform to do the same.”
For coverage of the ACL’s Polygamy claim click here
For more information call Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335