The campaign for marriage equality is full swing today as it is the last day the federal senate’s enquiry into same sex marriage is accepting submissions.
Today twenty clergy of multiple faiths have released a letter appealing for all Australians who support marriage equality to make a submission to the enquiry. The letter was signed by members of a variety of religious denominations including Anglican, Baptist and Jewish leaders.
In a statement Perth Anglican Priest, the Reverend Chris Bedding of noted,
‘Christians in the emerging generations are passionate about justice and radical inclusivity. We understand that same-gender relationships are part of the normal spectrum of human sexuality and have no desire to deny them legal recognition. It’s time for young Christians across Australia to speak up for an open and hospitable Christianity – even if it means challenging received assumptions.’
The call from the coalition of religious leaders comes after Bishops from the Catholic Church in Victoria wrote to 80,000 followers encouraging them to make submission to the enquiry against the legalisation of same sex marriage.
The Australian Christian Lobby has echoed this call arguing that moves to approve same sex marriage would lead to the legalisation of polyamorous relationships, impinge religious freedom and create disadvantage for children.
Speaking to Channel 10’s Breakfast program this morning, Lyle Shelton the CEO of the Australian Christian Lobby stated,
‘Marriage is a unique institution, it’s defined as being between a man and a woman, and if you change that definition then you’re saying that gender doesn’t matter in family formation to a child.’
Also in the Channel 10 debate was marriage equality advocate Karl Katter who argued that as secular society religious leaders should not be having such an influence on political debate.
The enquiry has published a selection of the submissions it has received to date including arguments from former New South Wales Premier and Catholic Kristina Keneally who supports marriage equality and opposition from West Australian religious leader The Reverend Margaret Court.
Submission can be made to the enquiry via the Australian Parliament website.
Graeme Watson
