Australian Marriage Equality has labelled a new advertisement from the Australian Marriage Forum that claims marriage equality will hurt children as “fear mongering”.
The advertisement is due to air on TV tonight as Sydney celebrates with the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
The TV spot argues that “Children have an equal right where ever possible to a Mum and a Dad” and argues that marriage equality will force children to miss out on a mother or a father.
The voice over is accompanied by vision of a crying child.
On the groups YouTube channel it describes marriage equality as “the demands of a few noisy adults”.
Watch the advertisement
The advertisement is fronted by Dr David van Gend who in 2011 wrote in THE AUSTRALIAN that Senator Penny Wong could never replace the missing father of her child.Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome said the advertisement promoted discrimination.
“The Australian Marriage Forum campaign is actually harming the many Australian children being raised by same-sex couples because it defends discrimination against their families.” Croome said.
“According to the Bureau of Statistics tens of thousands of Australian children are currently in the care of same-sex couples, and these children deserve the same opportunities as other children, including the opportunity of having married parents.”
Maya Newell, who was raised by two women in Sydney also voiced her concern about the advertisement.
“As a child of two lesbian mums who have been in a committed, loving relationship for over 30 years I am deeply hurt by the Australian Marriage Forum TV campaign.”
“What kids need are parents who provide love, security and support, not two parents of the opposite gender.”
“Even though they haven’t been able to marry, same-sex couples have been raising children well for decades. I wish the Australian Marriage Forum would talk to the kids of same-sex couples before they decide to speak for us.”
Mr Croome said he expects the ad campaign to backfire.
“I assume the launch of this campaign on the same day as the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade is meant to be provocative, but actually it just highlights how out of place anti-gay prejudice is in our increasingly inclusive and respectful society.”
“If this campaign has any impact at all, its obvious prejudice and fear-mongering will actually increase support for marriage equality.”
OIP Staff
