Marriage Equality advocates have welcomed the strong statement of support for marriage equality reiterated today by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten at the Australian Christian Lobby’s national conference, being held in Canberra this weekend.
In the powerfully worded keynote address the Opposition Leader re-affirmed his support for marriage equality and called for respect of the diversity that exists in Australia.
It is the first time a leader of either major political party has used the forum to challenge the agenda of the conservative lobby group.
Australian Marriage Equality acting director, Ivan Hinton-Teoh, said,
“With an overwhelming majority of Australian Christians in support of marriage equality many will be heartened to hear a political leader share in their values.”
“It is powerful moment in our national history that a political leader, an affirmed Christian, has had both the confidence and conviction to use this forum to reflect the true diversity of Christian views.”
“Many members of the Coalition share similar values to the majority of Australians and we call of the Federal Government to allow a marriage equality free vote so this parliament can genuinely reflect the support that exists for this important reform.”
A recent Crosby|Textor poll indicated that an overwhelming 67% of Australian Catholics support marriage equality and 72% of the broader population.
In part of his keynote Shorten said,
“Australia is full of decent and generous people of good conscience, drawn from all faiths and none. And no faith, no religion, no set of beliefs should ever be used as an instrument of division or exclusion.”
“In our society, under our laws, whether we be Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists or athiests – we are all Australians and we are all equal.”
“So when I hear people invoking scriptures to attack blended families, I cannot stay silent. I do not agree. When I see people hiding behind the bible to insult and demonise people based on their sexuality I cannot stay silent, I do not agree.”
“When I hear people allege that ‘God tells them’ that marriage equality is the first step on the road to polygamy and bigamy and bestiality …I cannot stay silent. I do not agree.”
“These prejudices do not reflect the Christian values I believe in.”
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/bill-shorten-to-confront-christian-lobby-over-samesex-marriage
For more information contact Ivan Hinton-Teoh on 0419 124 826.
Author: Ivan Hinton-Teoh
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 25 October 2014