PFLAG, the Parent and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, is turning the tables on conservative groups who campaign against marriage equality with arguments that plead for us to “think of the children”.

With Christian groups regularly evoking The Simpson’s character Helen Lovejoy with debates about the right for every child to be raised in a household with a mother and a father, the parental support group has launched their own campaign.

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‘What About Our Children?’ is the name of the organisation’s new resource that argues in favour of marriage equality.

Shelly Argent OAM, the groups National spokesperson writes in the introduction to the booklet outlining the organisations call for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to cancel the proposed plebiscite and deal with the issue via a free vote in parliament.

“Parliamentary leadership on this issue is so important. Couples in same sex relationships need the protection of their rights through legislation that is not at the mercy of popular prejudice. Rights must be inalienable, not something that are up for public judgement. That’s why they’re called rights.” Ms Argent said.

“Parents of gay and lesbian children are appalled that the entire country might be asked to vote on whether or not their children should have the legal right to marry, as if this is anybody else’s business.”

In the booklet PFLAG note that many important changes have been made to Australian law without the need for a national plebiscite. These include decriminalising homosexuality, abolishing the death penalty, sending soldiers to war and adopting no fault divorce.

Launching the new campaign the group said that many people who use “what about the children” as a reasoning for prohibit marriage equality they forget that those children are the grandchildren of other Australians and are part of extended families and friends, just like any other family.

Yesterday Michelle Davis from the local PFLAG chapter wrote a piece for WA Today in support of the Safe School’s coalition.

OIP Staff