On June 31, the Australian Federal Parliament’s House of Representatives passed a motion put forward by independent MP, Andrew Wilkie, that read, ‘Should the Marriage Act be amended to allow same-sex marriages the amendments should ensure the Marriage Act imposes no obligation on a minister of religion to solemnise such marriages.’

Marriage Equality convener Alex Grenwich released a statement welcoming the motion saying, ‘Today’s motion confirms that people of faith have nothing to fear from marriage equality.’

In a press release, the Australian Christian Lobby’s Managing Director, Jim Wallance, said that his organisation to no comfort from the announcement, ‘While Mr Wilkie’s sentiment is commendable, it is also naive. The gay activists are not at all tolerant when it comes to advancing their agenda, and their track record shows they are unlikely to tolerate the church’s refusal to marry same-sex couples if marriage is redefined.’