Last night on the ABC program ‘Q and A’ and audience member asked the panel if marriage equality was achieved would there be provisions that would allow people to refuse service to same sex couples because of their religious beliefs.
“I’m a paper crafter and part of what I do is make invitations and caligraphy services by consignment in the wedding industry,” explained the audience member.
“What protections would there be for me to uphold my faith and not be charged with discrimination if I decline to serve customers wanting services for a same sex marriage?”
Politicial analyst Bates Gill said the scenario resonates with real life cases in the United States where bakeries who had refused services to same sex weddings had been taken to court. Gill said refusing service would be disrimatory, former Atourney General Phillip Rudock agreed highlighting that we do have laws against discrimination.
Philosipher Dr Cornell West answered the audience member’s question saying that Christians should recognise the humanity of gay and lesbian people.
“You have a right to do what you want to do based on your principles of religious liberty,but on the other hand the precious humanity of gay brothers and lesbian sisters needs to be affirmed. I would think that even Christians who disagree with same-sex marriage must acknowledge they are made in the likeness and image of God.” Dr West said.
Dr West said that people concerned about serving gay and lesbian couples should compare this question to other clients they deliver services to. “I’m sure they have been many wedding cakes sold to gangsters, who are getting married…” Dr West said. “You have to follow through on the logic of your discriminatory orientation and that’s just a question you’ll have to wrestle in the precincts of your own conscience.”
The Australian Christian Lobby has raised the issue as an area needing greater clarification, arguing that Christian businesses owners should have the right to turn down gay and lesbian clients. In a press release last week the lobby group highighted several cases from the USA where businesses had been taken to court for refusing services such as photography, venue hire, accomodation and catering.
The question set off a range of responses on social media, Q and A encourages viewers to take part in the show by commenting on Twitter with the hashtag ‘#qanda’ and invites viewers to submit questions to the live show. Last night’s episode attracted over 25,000 tweets
Why on earth would a same-sex couple want their wedding cake made by someone who objected to their ceremony???? #qanda
— Margo Kingston (@margokingston1) June 8, 2015
What protections would you want to discriminate against people of different ethnic backgrounds marrying? Appalling! #qanda
— Prof Kerryn Phelps (@drkerrynphelps) June 8, 2015
Commercial entities should not be able to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and/or relationship status. FULL STOP. #qanda
— Senthorun Raj (@senthorun) June 8, 2015
The shows discussion on marriage equality also saw marriage equality campaigner Christine Forster declare that she was disapointed with Labor Leader Bill Shorten’s private members bill.
“I think Shorten’s bill was a piece of unfortunate politicking with an issue that is too important to be a polical football.” Ms Forster said.
During the debate Ms Forster said she’d managed to align her Catholic beliefs with her belief in equality. “I don’t need to shout from the rooftops that I reject Catholicism.”
Ms Forster said her brother, Prime Minster Tony Abbott, had a strong difference of opinion on marriage equality, but it was OK for them to disagree and be respectful of each others positions.
OIP Staff
