Marriage equality advocates have welcomed a strong response in favour of marriage equality following news that Victoria’s Catholic hierarchy has sent letters to 80,000 Catholics urging them against supporting marriage equality. (Report here)
Australian Marriage Equality National Convener, Alex Greenwich, said tens of thousands of supporters across Australia have taken action today:
“We have seen record numbers of submissions, letters to MPs, and petition signatures in favour of marriage equality since this morning’s news.”
“There has also been a strong reaction from people of faith, who do not want one church to misrepresent them on this important issue.”
Mr Greenwich said he was not surprised by the response:
“The Catholic Church hierarchy today prioritised spending church funds on denying equality for loving and committed couples. It is no surprise that the public has so strongly rejected this move“.
Mr Greenwich said a number of supportive church leaders have made submissions in favour of marriage equality, including the Very Reverend Dr Peter Catt, Anglican Dean of Saint John’s Cathedral, Brisbane, who wrote in his submission:
“I support the proposed Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2010 because it removes discrimination, affords equal rights to same-sex and heterosexual couples in marriage, and recognises the pluralistic nature of our society.”
Another prominent Christian and rugby player, David Pocock, who captained the Wallabies in various international tests this year, wrote:
“It’s my understanding that Jesus was on the side of the marginalised and the oppressed. And also that God is love. So as a Christian I can’t just stand in silence on the issue of marriage equality. My faith necessitates that I advocate for it.”
A Galaxy poll last year found that 53% of Australian Christians support marriage equality.
Polling and further information on Christian support for marriage equality can be found here:
https://www.australianmarriageequality.org/a-majority-of-christians-support-marriage-equality
To send a submission to the Senate inquiry on marriage equality, click here (deadline Monday 2nd April).
For further information please contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.