Premium Content:

ACL head dismisses proposal for respectful debate

Lyle Shelton

The head of the Australian Christian Lobby has described a proposal for opponents and supporters of marriage equality to set ground rules for a respectful debate as “laughable”.

- Advertisement -

Rodney Croome, the national director of Australian Marriage Equality, wrote a piece for ‘The Mercury‘ calling or a respectful debate in the lead up to the national plebiscite on whether marriage can be extended to non heterosexual couples.

Lyle Shelton, head of the Australian Christian Lobby, took to Twitter dismissing the proposal describing it as “laughable”.

Lyle Shelton (@LyleShelton) Twitter - Google Chrome 25122015 44916 PM

In his column, published on Christmas Eve, Mr Croome called for both sides of the debate to be respectful of opposing views and allow those who disagree with them the opportunity to speak.

“All stakeholders must agree to each others’ freedom to state their case.

“If free speech is hampered during a plebiscite campaign the outcome risks being de-legitimised.

“Stakeholders must also agree to consider the harm their words may cause and speak respectfully.

“The outcome will also be tarnished if ordinary Australians are hurt, harmed and turned off by the debate.” Mr Croome wrote.

In the article Mr Croome said he was encouraged by a recent statement from the Tasmanian Equal Opportunity Commission that declared that the parities currently attending mediation over a Catholic Church booklet were focused on trying to find common ground.

Earlier this year Catholic Archbishops published a booklet outlining their opposition to same sex marriage.

The ‘Don’t Mess with Marriage’ booklet was distributed to school children to take home to their parents. The booklet was distributed in a sealed envelope.

Later Martine Delaney, a political candidate for The Greens, filed a complaint with the Tasmanian Human Rights Commission. Ms Delaney has argued that two section of the booklet are discriminatory.

The first concern is where the booklet claims the LGBTI people are not “whole people”, the second relates to a statement that the children of LGBTI people are less healthy than the children of heterosexual couples.

Prior to Ms Delaney filing her complaint, Mr Croome had publicly argued that the Catholic Church’s booklet may contravene the state’s anti-discrimination laws.

In September a senate inquiry head that a plebiscite may be damaging to people in the LGBTI community.

 

 

Latest

Madonna to release ‘Bedtime Stories’ demos with new EP

The singer has delved into the vault and found some long lost tracks.

City of Subiaco to help local creatives build their careers

Elise Wilson and Sophie Minissale will be sponsored to attend the BANDWIDTH Amplify program.

WA government says its still progressing plan to address conversion therapy

Roger Cook first began tackling the issue as Health Minister in 2017.

Thorne Harbour Health CEO Simon Ruth to step down

Ruth has lead the Victorian based organisation for 12 years.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Madonna to release ‘Bedtime Stories’ demos with new EP

The singer has delved into the vault and found some long lost tracks.

City of Subiaco to help local creatives build their careers

Elise Wilson and Sophie Minissale will be sponsored to attend the BANDWIDTH Amplify program.

WA government says its still progressing plan to address conversion therapy

Roger Cook first began tackling the issue as Health Minister in 2017.

Thorne Harbour Health CEO Simon Ruth to step down

Ruth has lead the Victorian based organisation for 12 years.

Walkern Wirin: Boorloo Blak Pride will be part of PrideFEST 2025

An event to honour all LGBTIQA+ First Nations people, alongside their supportive friends and family.

Madonna to release ‘Bedtime Stories’ demos with new EP

The singer has delved into the vault and found some long lost tracks.

City of Subiaco to help local creatives build their careers

Elise Wilson and Sophie Minissale will be sponsored to attend the BANDWIDTH Amplify program.

WA government says its still progressing plan to address conversion therapy

Roger Cook first began tackling the issue as Health Minister in 2017.