Human rights advocate, Martine Delaney, is pleased to note the Catholic Bishops Conference of Australia and Archbishop Julian Porteous have responded to her request for them to attempt conciliation over a complaint to the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner.
The complaint was sparked by several statements made in a booklet, “Don’t Mess with Marriage”, which was distributed nationally earlier this year, both online and through the Catholic education system.
The statements in question said same-sex attracted people could not be “whole” as partners in a relationship, could not raise healthy children and were, somehow, “messing with kids” by raising children.
“Last weekend, I wrote to the Commissioner, requesting the matter be referred to the conciliation process.”, Ms Delaney said.
“I’ve been notified today, by the Commissioner’s office, that both Archbishop Porteous and the Bishops Conference have agreed to my request.”
Ms Delaney added she was very pleased by this development, and is hopeful it will lead to a positive outcome.
Human rights advocate, Martine Delaney
