Australian Christian Lobby welcomes gay marriage delay
The Australian Christian Lobby has welcomed a significant delay in the introduction of same-sex marriage in the country.
It's after Australian politicians refused to let the people decide whether same-sex marriage should be legalised.
The Upper House voted down the ruling government's motion of a referendum on whether to amend current Australian marriage laws.
It means a potential referendum cannot be voted on until the next parliamentary term which could be in 2019.
Given that Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's ruling Liberal-National Coalition has consistently stated it wants to hold a referendum on the issue rather than pass it in parliament, it's unlikely a change in marriage law will now happen for the foreseeable future.
Critics of the referendum proposal say the move is unnecessarily expensive when politicians can vote through the legislation themselves, and the debates surrounding the referendum could be divisive.
Lyle Shelton, Managing Director of the Australian Christian Lobby, said: "Same-sex marriage is an icon for all that is wrong with modern western politics. By blocking the plebiscite, [Opposition Leader] Bill Shorten may have done Australia a favour.
"With time, more Australians will wake up to the serious elite-mandated consequences of changing marriage.
"They know our gay friends are free under law to love and live the way they want. But changing the definition of marriage has consequences and is unnecessary."
