… & “NO” TO REFUSAL-OF-SERVICE EXEMPTIONS
CHRISTIANS WANT FREE VOTE IN PARLIAMENT AND ARE UNHAPPY WITH CONSERVATIVE RELIGIOUS GROUPS REPRESENTING THEM
A new opinion poll has found Australian Christians back marriage equality and don’t want the reform to include extra discrimination exemptions.
Galaxy Research poll of 1000 Australian Christians released today showed 54% support for same-sex couples being allowed to marry, 77% support for a free vote in parliament as soon as possible, and 49% opposition to civil celebrants being about to refuse their services to same-sex couples on the basis of the celebrant’s conscientious belief.
The survey also found 61% of Christians are unhappy with conservative religious groups representing the views of all Christians, including 55% of regular church-goers.
The poll was commissioned by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. National spokesperson, Shelley Argent said,
“With Australian Christians so conclusively behind marriage equality, it’s time for politicians to have a free vote and get this done.”
“Changes to the Marriage Act have always been made through the parliamentary process and should remain so.”
“Politicians should stop paying so much attention to conservative Christian advocacy organisations which a majority of Christians feel don’t represent them.”
“As a mother I want my gay son to have the same rights and responsibilities as his brother. One of the rights being the right to legally marry his partner and have it recognised in his home country.”
The Very Reverend Peter Catt, the Dean of St John’s Cathedral and spokesperson for Progressive Christian Voice said,
“This poll proves that Australian Christians believe everyone should be treated equally and fairly without discrimination.”
“I’m pleased to see Australian Christians holding firm to Christ’s injunction to treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves.”
“I’m particularly pleased that most Christians feel their views on marriage equality are not represented by conservative religious groups.”
“This means it’s time our leaders listened to a greater diversity of Christian voices.”
Long-time marriage equality advocate and spokesperson for just.equal, Rodney Croome, said,
“Not only do Christians support marriage equality, they want it resolved in Parliament asap and they don’t want any further legal discrimination once same-sex couples are able to walk down the aisle.”
“It’s important that politicians understand that Australians don’t believe equality comes in half measures and don’t want new forms of discrimination to replace an old one.”
Liberal Senator, Dean Smith, is expected to introduce marriage equality legislation sometime after Parliament resumes early next months.
A copy of the Galaxy Research report is attached and a summary is included below.
For a copy of this media release on the web click here
For more information contact Rev Peter catt on 0404 052 494 or Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Shelley Argent is overseas. She can be emailed on PFLAG Australia *** Summary of the Galaxy Research poll Do you support same-sex marriage? Support: 54% Should civil celebrants be allowed to refuse services to any couple on the basis of conscientious belief Opposed: 43% Should civil celebrants be allowed to refuse services just to same-sex couples on the basis of conscientious belief Opposed: 49% Should conservative religious groups speak for all Christians on same-sex marriage Unhappy: 61% Should politicians be free to vote on same-sex marriage as soon as possible Yes: 77%
Strongly support: 32%
Millennial support: (18-34): 64%
Baby boomer support: 52%
Catholics support: 56%
Millennials opposed: 51%
Support 38%
Millennials opposed: 56%
Support: 31%
Very unhappy: 36%
Most regular church-goers unhappy: 55%
Most regular church-goers very unhappy: 33%
Neutral: 22%
Happy: 17%
No: 23%
Millennials: 86%
Most regular church-goers: 62%
Rodney Croome, just.equal
