Stolen generation advocates call for Chrisian Lobby apology for “disrespectful” and “dehumanizing” Marriage Equality comments
Advocates for the Stolen Generations have called for an apology from the Australian Christian Lobby for comparing the forced removal of Indigenous People from their families to same-sex couples marrying and having children.
Pastor Ray Minniecon, CEO of Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation, a Stolen Generations Service for Indigenous men and their families, said,
“As a representative organization for the Stolen Generations, we are deeply concerned by the comments made by Lyle Sheldon on behalf of the Australian Christian Lobby comparing former Prime Minister Rudd’s support for marriage equality with creating another Stolen Generation.”
“The assimilation policy of forced removal of children from their homes and the subsequent abuse of those children is no way comparable to the desire of a loving couple to have a child and have their relationship recognized.”
“It is disrespectful to the current Stolen Generations, their history and their families.”
“It is also dehumanising and demonising of gay couples and their desire for marriage and family.”
“We call on Lyle Sheldon to apologize to the Stolen Generations and to the gay community for this comparison.”
“We call on other Christian leaders to publicly repudiate Lyle and the Australian Christian Lobby and to back our call for an apology.”
Today, Mr Shelton responded to former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd’s, support for marriage equality by recalling Mr Rudd’s landmark apology to the Stolen Generations in 2007.
According to Mr Shelton allowing same-sex couples to marry will “rob children of their biological identity” creating another “stolen generation”.
This is despite the fact that many Australian same-sex couples are already raising children and are recognised in state and federal law as the legal parents of these children.
For more information contact Pastor Ray Minniecon on 0487-530-703
Author: Pastor Ray Minniecon
Publication: AME Media Release
Publication Date: May 21 2013