Homosexual marriage - referendum vs Plebiscite vs Change Constitution
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| English: Tony Abbott in 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Any referendum questions on marriage must canvass the consequences of
change, allowing a free and open debate, Australian Christian Lobby Managing
Director Lyle Shelton said today.
“This debate can’t continue with television networks like Channel 7 and
Channel 10 refusing to run innocuous advertisements putting the other side of
the argument,” Mr Shelton said.
“The word ‘bigotry’, used again by journalists on social media last
night, must be dropped from the public discourse so that there is complete
freedom to put the alternative view.”
Mr Shelton said the Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s floating of a
referendum or plebiscite next term of Parliament gave breathing space for
ordinary Australians to be allowed to know what is at stake.
“Any referendum questions must canvass the harms to freedom of speech,
religion and conscience raised by the Australian Human Right’s Commission’s
‘freedom commissioner’ Tim Wilson.
“Referendum questions must also canvass the societal consequences of
intentionally creating motherless and fatherless children through controversial
assisted reproduction techniques such as commercial surrogacy and anonymous
sperm donation.
“We need to unpack what ‘marriage equality’ means.”
Mr Shelton said it was important there was equal public funding for both
sides and Parliament should impose a ban on overseas donations to either side.
“Many Australians don’t know that same-sex couples already have full
equality under the law. If Australians were allowed to know this and to be
informed of the consequences of redefining marriage, I would be very confident
a referendum would support the status quo.”
Mr Shelton said the Coalition party room decision last night effectively
gives people permission to keep speaking about the consequences of same-sex
marriage without fear.
“We know that the leaders of the ‘marriage equality’ political lobby
want to report marriage supporters to human rights commissions, especially if
religious schools dare to teach their religion’s teaching on marriage.
“It is vital that mainstream Australians use the opportunity the
Coalition party room has given to speak up before it is too late.”
