TASMANIAN GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS GROUP
Media Statement
Monday July 18th 2011
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE DEBATE WITHDRAWAL “DISAPPOINTING”
– Opponents of equality harm their cause by playing victim card
– Uni decision to consider continuing with debate welcomed
– Renewed call on Tas MPs to focus on preventing hate crime
Tasmanian gay activist, Rodney Croome, says many Tasmanians will be disappointed by the withdrawal of anti same-sex marriage advocates from an up-coming debate in Launceston organised by the University of Tasmania.
This morning the Australian Christian Lobby’s Managing Director Jim Wallace, Tasmanian Liberal MP, Michael Ferguson, and Australian Family Association spokesperson, Terri Kelleher, announced their withdrawal citing fears of “personal attack and vitriol”.
Mr Croome, who was to put the case for same-sex marriage, along with Education Minister, Nick McKim and Tasmanian writer, Danielle Wood, said,
“Tasmanians deserve to hear both sides of this important public issue and many will be disappointed by the withdrawal of one side so close to the event.”
“Personally, I was looking forward to an opportunity to re-assure Jim Wallace, Michael Ferguson and Terri Kelleher that marriage equality advocates like myself want a mature and respectful public discussion about this issue.”
“A respectful discussion is something my colleagues and I have committed ourselves to repeatedly, despite provocative language from the Jim Wallace comparing same-sex relationships to polygamy, and from Kevin Rudd’s sister, Loree, comparing marriage equality advocates and the Gestapo.”
Mr Croome questioned the reason for the withdrawal.
“This debate was the perfect opportunity for opponents of marriage equality not only to put their case, but to address whatever concerns they have about the tone of public debate.”
“By withdrawing it looks like they trying to win public sympathy by playing the victim card rather than actually making their case, and this does their cause no good at all.”
Mr Croome welcomed a decision by the University of Tasmania to seriously consider going ahead with the event, possibly in a less formal Q and A style format.
In response to Michael Ferguson’s announcement that he will not take legal action against Brenton Best MP over accusations that Mr Ferguson has incited gay hate, Mr Croome repeated his call for all state politicians to stop bickering and focus on the preventing hate crime.
“The best remedy to hate crime are the kind of class-room anti-homophobia programs which have been proven to reduce levels of prejudice, discrimination and bullying.”
“I call on the state’s leaders, including Education Minister, Mr McKim, and Opposition Education Spokesperson, Mr Ferguson, to commit to these programs.”
Mr Best’s accusations came during parliamentary debate about a recent gay-hate attack on Ulverstone man, Daniel Stanley.
• What Nick McKim says …
ACL IS RIGHT: LET’S DEBATE MARRIAGE EQUALITY ON ITS MERITS
Same-Sex Marriage Opponents Should Reconsider Their Debate Withdrawal
Nick McKim MP
Greens Leader
Monday, 18 July 2011
The Tasmanian Greens today said they were mystified why three speakers opposing marriage equality had pulled out of a public debate due to be held in Launceston next week.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that the time is right for a debate on marriage equality and called on Michael Ferguson MP, Jim Wallace and Terri Kelleher to reconsider their withdrawal.
“Same-sex marriage has the support of most Australians, and I suspect the real reason that Mr Ferguson and his colleagues withdrew is because they know they cannot win this debate,” said Mr McKim.
“I support today’s call by the Australian Christian Lobby that this issue be debated on its merits. But we can’t have that debate if Mr Wallace, Mr Ferguson and Ms Kelleher lack the courage to show up.”
“I urge them to reconsider so we can debate this important issue.”
Mr McKim also the forum would have debated the motion, ‘The House moves that same sex couples should be allowed to marry’.
“This is a timely debate and a very simple premise. The community deserved to hear opponents to same-sex marriage including Mr Jim Wallace, of the Australian Christian Lobby, Liberal MP Michael Ferguson, and Terri Kelleher, of the Australian Family Association, attempt to argue their position, as well as hear from those representing the yes case which were Rodney Croome of the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights group, Danielle Woods, and myself,” Mr McKim said.
The debate was being organised by Melanie Roome, Alumni & Development Manager, University of Tasmania
