One of the most persistent fears raised by the prospect of same-sex marriage has been laid to rest today.
Federal parliament today voted in favour of a motion from Tasmanian Independent MP, Andrew Wilkie, which confirms that religious celebrants will not be forced to perform same-sex marriages should such marriages be allowed.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said,
“Today’s motion confirms that people of faith have nothing to fear from marriage equality.”
“Parliament has made it crystal clear that it will not force religious celebrants to act against their religious values and that churches will continue to be able to define marriage as they choose.”
Today’s motion was passed by the House of Representatives without the need for a vote.
It already has the support of fifteen clergy from several different faiths and denominations who wrote to all members of the House of Representatives urging them to support the motion.
The successful motion said:
“Should the Marriage Act be amended to allow same-sex marriages the amendments should ensure the Marriage Act imposes no obligation on a minister of religion to solemnise such marriages.”
The vote comes as NSW Parliament’s Upper House voted in favour of a marriage equality motion, which also included religious protections (full details here).
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.