Marriage equality advocates have been quick to respond to Pope Francis’s tentative support for civil unions, saying they are a failed experiment which can never be a substitute for marriage equality.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“While we welcome Pope Francis’s softening of the Vatican’s hardline, we do not accept civil unions as a substitute for marriage equality.”
“Almost every country that has tried civil unions has found them wanting and has moved on to full marriage equality instead.”
“Civil unions are a failed experiment that only allow same-sex couples access to legal recognition if we are willing to sit at the back of the proverbial bus.”
In an interview with Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera, Pope Francis confirmed the Catholic view that marriage can only be between a man and a woman but left the door opened to same-sex civil unions.
The Vatican has previously opposed both.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 6 March 2014