A former Liberal MP has generated a pamphlet claiming that children of same-sex parents are more prone to sexually transmitted diseases, unemployment and drug abuse.
The Sydney Morning Herald have leaked the pamphlet funded by one-time minister of the Howard Government Chris Miles entitled “National Vote: Same Sex Mirage”, promoting a “no” vote ahead of the proposed marriage plebiscite.
Mr Miles’ pamphlet also claims that “married biological parents have a better record for providing safety and development of healthy, well-adjusted adult children.”
Speaking to Fairfax Media, Mr Miles says he may print millions of copies in the lead up to the vote.
“If we are going to have a plebiscite, people need to be informed,” Mr Miles said.
“These will be distributed throughout Australia at the grass roots.”
Marriage equality proponents have condemned the pamphlet, saying the claims show how damaging and divisive a marriage equality plebiscite can be.
Australian Marriage Equality national director Rodney Croome says this is just the start of the anti-gay misinformation campaign Australians will have to endure if the government goes ahead with a plebiscite.
“Australia can avoid a damaging plebiscite campaign, and we could have marriage equality by mid year, if parliament is simply allowed to do its job and has a free vote,” Mr Croome said.
“Not only is the information on this flyer wrong, it will put the lives of young gay people and the children of same-sex couples at risk by reinforcing the message that they and their families are broken.”
In Parliament, Labor and The Greens continue to call for a free vote over a plebiscite on marriage, citing the potential harms a debate will have on young LGBTI people.
Greens sexuality spokesperson Senator Robert Simms says this flyer is the latest example of this ugly campaign against equality.
“During the last week we have seen a tsunami of vile homophobia fanned by people like Cory Bernardi and George Christensen,” Senator Simms said.
“It’s clear conservative extremists are planning an ugly hate campaign levelled at the LGBTI community and the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is sitting back and letting it happen.
“The Greens are concerned for the impact this kind of hurtful campaign might have on young people in particular.”
Psychologists and faith leaders warn of harmful materials
Psychologists and religious leaders have also voiced their concerns about harmful materials such as Mr Miles’ leaflet.
Dr Liz Short who led the Australian Psychological Society review of LGBTI parenting research says the leaflet is factually incorrect and deeply damaging.
“The APS’s review of research in this area shows the children of same-sex couples are likely to be at least as well adjusted, socially, emotionally, and academically, as other children,” Dr Short said.
“It also shows their mental health is vulnerable to exactly the kind of prejudice and hostility to be found in this leaflet. The APS opposes a plebiscite on marriage equality and prefers a vote in parliament because we fear there will be much more of this damaging misinformation.”
President of Progressive Christian Voice The Very Reverend Dr Peter Catt has also made his concerns known, saying this kind of material is very divisive for faith communities.
“There are views on both sides of the conversation and neither side should be claiming to speak on behalf of all of us,” Dr Catt said.
“A plebiscite is totally unnecessary and this leaflet is just a sign of what is coming in particular in terms of the damage that could be done to young people.
“It’s one thing for politicians to use electioneering to sledge one another but it’s a very different thing to use that same mechanism to hurt vulnerable people in the community.”
OIP Staff
