Christian Lobby’s new fear campaign ‘will backfire’ / Clergy say ACL actions are “simply not Christian” / New parenting study boosts case for same-sex marriage
Marriage equality advocates and various clergy have condemned as “scaremongering” an Australian Christian Lobby video campaign claiming same-sex marriage will lead to polygamy.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said,
“The ACL’s scaremongering is a sign of desperation and will be rejected by the majority of fair-minded Australians who want their gay friends and family members to be able to share in the values, traditions and joys of marriage as an exclusive, lifelong union.”
“The international experience proves there is no link between same-sex marriage and polygamy, which is why conservative figures like Jeff Kennett, David Cameron, and New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, have no problem supporting same-sex marriages.”
“This scare campaign proves the ACL has no argument left except fear. It’s offensive nature will drive undecided politicians and members of the public towards supporting marriage equality.”
A growing number of Christian clergy have joined Australian Marriage Equality in condemning the ACL’s actions. They include Surry Hills Baptist pastor Mike Hercock, ACT Uniting Church minister Roger Munson, and Victorian Anglican Minister, Prof Emeritus Rev Gary Bouma.
“The Australian Christian Lobby’s position on this issue is not shared by most Christians. A Galaxy poll in August last year found that 53% of Australian Christians supported marriage equality, and the Victorian Council of Churches affirmed that the Australian Christian Lobby does not represent all Christians.” said Rev Roger Munson.
Pastor Mike Hercock said the denial of marriage marginalises same-sex couples:
“There is a consistent, dehumanising argument presented by the Australian Christian Lobby that attempts to create fear and demonise gay people and their desire for their relationship to be recognised in marriage. This is simply not Christian.”
Prof Emeritus Rev Gary Bouma said the Australian Christian Lobby’s actions send a message that “fails to respect the reality of the love and commitment of same-sex couples seeking marriage. It is discriminatory, dehumanising and contrary to the Gospel of Christ.”
NEW PARENTING STUDY BOOSTS CASE FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
Meanwhile, Mr Greenwich said a new study released by the University of Texas, which shows children of married heterosexual couples do better than unmarried same-sex couples, actually boosts the case for allowing same-sex marriages.
“Studies by peak psychological and paediatric organisations show that a stable and secure upbringing is what makes all the difference to a child’s future, not the gender of their parents”, he said.
“Rather than being an argument against gay parenting, this study is an argument for allowing same-sex parents to marry and provide their children with the security, stability and recognition marriage brings.”
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.
Reporting on the ACL’s new video campaign can be found here. Reporting on the University of Texas study can be found here.