Lyle Shelton, the Managing Director of the Australian Christian Lobby and spokesperson for the Coalition for Marriage, has responded to the High Court’s decision that the government’s postal survey arguing that the debate needs to address concerns about religious freedoms and the education system.
“If you thought 18c of the Racial Discrimination Act was a dampener on free speech, that will be nothing compared to what redefining marriage will do in terms of weaponising laws that mitigate against free speech.” Shelton said.
“I think when Australians consider the evidence of how freedoms are affected, and the evidence of what has happened overseas, that is starting to happen in Australia in terms of radical LGBTIQ sex education, I think when they fill out those ballot forms…without being pressured or made to feel like their bigots or lesser citizens because they might hold a different view – I think that will be the real poll and the real test of what Australians think.” Shelton said.
Shelton said the Coaliton for Marriage was facing a David and Goliath battle because they were not as well resourced as the people advocating for a YES vote.
In a statement from the Coalition for Marriage, the group that brings together a range of organisations opposed to marriage equality, religious leaders put forward their belief that same-sex couples should not be allowed to wed.
“We reiterate our support for a people’s vote as the most appropriate way to allow Australians to have their say on proposed changes to the definition of marriage,” said the Most Reverend Dr Glenn Davies, Anglican Archbishop of Sydney. “Australians deserve to have a say on a change to the foundational unit of our society.”
The Catholic Archbishop of Sydney said allowing same-sex couples to wed would affect the lives of all Australians.
“A change in the marriage law has consequences for all Australians, and so it is only fair that all Australians are allowed to make their voice heard,” said the Most Reverend Anthony Fisher OP, Catholic Archbishop of Sydney. “A change in law has implications for individuals and institutions; everyone will be affected.”
OIP Staff
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