AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Media Release
Monday February 15th 2016
Advocates have responded to revelations that the Australian Christian Lobby wants anti-discrimination laws suspended for the duration of the proposed marriage equality plebiscite and is open to public funding for the plebiscite campaign.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“It’s concerning that the ACL’s advocacy for an unnecessary plebiscite has now turned to using the plebiscite as an excuse to suspend laws that protect vulnerable Australians and to receiving public funds.”
“It’s impractical and unnecessary to suspend anti-discrimination laws in every state and territory.”
“Instead, both sides should be mature enough to sit down and agree on the framework for a free and respectful debate, facilitated by the Human Rights Commission or some other impartial body.”
“Public funding for the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ cases should be equal and kept to the absolute minimum, with resources directed instead to counselling for those people whose mental health will suffer from attacks on their basic rights.”
For a news report: www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/christian-lobby-seeks-antidiscrimination-override-for-plebiscite-campaign-20160215-gmu4kd.html
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome
