ADVOCATES WELCOME SUPPORT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN WAKE OF WYNYARD SIGN
CALL ON CHRISTIANS TO TALK TO SAME-SEX COUPLES
Marriage equality advocates have welcomed strong support for marriage equality from Wynyard residents and business owners in the wake of the erection in the town’s main street of a billboard opposing the reform.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome said,
“We welcome the support for marriage equality shown by those Wynyard residents and shop owners who are concerned about the prejudice this billboard will foster and the damaging message it sends about their town.”
“While we support freedom of speech, we urge those behind the sign to consider the polarisation and pain their billboard will create.”
Mr Croome urged the church groups who have sponsored the sign to talk to same-sex couples and their families.
“We urge those Christian groups behind the billboard to listen to the personal stories of people whose rights they oppose.”
“Polls show 53% of Australian Christians support marriage equality and I believe this number will grow as more Christians come to see that many same-sex couples value marriage as much as they do.”
The billboard has been erected in the main street of Wynyard west of Burnie. It features a male and a female symbol, an equals sing and then two interlocked gold rings. The text reads “Designed by God / Sponsored by Somerset and Wynyard Churches”
The billboard was erected by Graham Hodge. Earlier this year Mr Hodge erected a similar sign in Camdale which was removed soon after.
For a news report about the backlash to the billboard click here:
http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/1550125/shop-owner-appalled/?cs=87
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome
