Marriage equality advocates have reassured Australian tennis champion, Margaret Court, that she has nothing to fear from same-sex couples marrying.
Australian Marriage Equality spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said churches will not be forced to marry same-sex couples.
“When same-sex marriages are allowed in Australia, all churches, including Mrs Court’s Victory Life Church, will be free to refuse to conduct such marriages”, Mr Croome said.
“The right of religious celebrants to refuse to solemnise marriages that are against their religious doctrines is entrenched in the Marriage Act and we respect that right.”
The assurance comes as debate escalates over Mrs Court’s opposition to homosexuality and same-sex marriage in the lead up to the Australian Open tennis tournament.
Mr Croome welcomed a statement from Tennis Australia affirming its commitment to equality. Tennis Australia said,
“We believe that everyone should be treated equally and fairly. We concur wholeheartedly with the World Tennis Association who stated that ‘all human beings, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or otherwise, should be treated equally.'”
“This is a fundamental right and principle, including within the world of sport. Anyone advocating otherwise is advocating against fundamental and essential rights.”
Mr Croome said studies in countries that allow same-sex marriages have shown that the reform strengthens same-sex relationships and provides the children of same-sex couples with a greater sense of security and inclusion.
“If Mrs Court is serious about fostering stronger families she should support this reform.”
“Her concerns about the negative impact of marriage equality have not been borne out in countries that allow same-sex marriages.”
Tasmanian Independent, Andrew Wilkie, has flagged a motion before federal parliament which seeks to assure religious celebrants and faith communities that they will not be forced to marry same-sex couples should same-sex marriages be allowed.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.