ACL applauds LCC

The Australian Christian Lobby has today applauded the Launceston City Council to rejecting the motion to support same sex marriage.

Mark Brown, ACL’s Tasmanian State Director said: “It’s beyond comprehension that local councils would impose on a federal issue.

“If the High Court ruled it unconstitutional for State Governments to make laws on same-sex marriage, local Councils should take note.”

This follows a 2013 High-Court ruling that Federal parliament alone has the power to change marriage laws.

“Marriage is an important building block in any functional society, especially when kids are involved. Children need a mum and a dad, and we shouldn’t be aiming to deprive them of that.”

There is also concern about the unethical way this was brought about.

“This was done without a word of consultation with the rate paying residents within the Council jurisdiction. The Council has no idea how many disagree with this.

AND …

End Disrespect and Intolerance on Marriage in Launceston

The Australian Christian Lobby congratulates the Launceston City Council for their wisdom in rejecting yesterday’s same-sex marriage motion but today called for common sense and calm to prevail against the vitriolic attacks on them from Australian Marriage Equality’s Rodney Croome.

Australian Marriage Equality today published a disrespectful, intolerant, angry and very personal response to a reasoned and conscientious decision.

“Members of the city council acted in good conscience yesterday. In response they have been called a disgrace to the city, intolerant, and potentially guilty of the suicides of young people.

“This kind of vitriol is completely lacking perspective, intolerant in its condemnation of the good faith of our public officers and insulting to anybody who holds a different opinion” ACL Tasmanian Director, Mark Brown, said today.

“This has been an ongoing problem with the same-sex debate. Too often it is not a conversation, but shouting. Too often it is not tolerant, but intolerant in the extreme. Too often it is not rational, but angry.

When considered pro-marriage opinions were expressed by former Supreme Court Chief Justice and Tasmanian Governor, William Cox, Mr Croome called it, “A homophobic diatribe from an out of touch old man.”

“Marriage advocates yesterday participated in a democratic process with calm and conviction. This kind of response from the gay lobby could not be more different” said Mr Brown.

“We look forward to a day when this debate can be had with good sense, reason and courtesy.”
Andrew Hinge