Marriage Equality advocates have dismissed concerns from the Anglican Archdiocese of Sydney that marriage equality will lead to violations of religious freedom.
The Bishop of South Sydney, Richard Forsythe, has called for wedding service providers to be free to turn away same-sex marrying couples.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“Marriage equality prevails in 22 countries with a combined population of almost 1 billion people yet there are only a couple of examples of wedding service providers facing legal action – all from the US – so I really think the Anglican Church is jumping at shadows.”
“I’m concerned that an exemption allowing weddings service providers to turn away whoever offends their religious values could see divorced partners, atheists or Muslims being discriminated against.”
“I’m also concerned that if the exemption only applies to same-sex couples it will reinforce prejudice against these couples.”
“Australians will not support going down either of these paths.”
Mr Croome said the Church need not be concerned about religious celebrants being free to turn away same-sex and other couples.
“The current Marriage Act allows religious celebrants to refuse to marry couples they don’t want to marry, and this will continue when marriage equality is achieved.”
For a news report on Bishop Forsyth’s call, click here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 30 September 2015