Faithful support at inquiry

Two Christian ministers and the peak Australasian body representing Progressive Judaism have used the Senate inquiry into same-sex marriage to express their support for marriage equality.

Union for Progressive Judaism (UPJ) president David Robinson and executive director Steve Denenberg wrote to the inquiry to state that their denomination, representing 26 congregations across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, supported the right of all people to marriage.

“Legislative changes made in recent years to acknowledge same-sex partnerships have helped to decrease the level of discrimination written into our legal system,” they wrote.

“However, these changes must be part of larger changes to make same-sex partnerships the equal of heterosexual partnerships. This includes making marriage an option for all people, not just heterosexual couples.

“The UPJ joins with our rabbinic council, the Moetzah, in calling for full marriage equality to be written into Australian law. We also call for these changes to be written into the law of all countries in our region and across the globe.

“Jewish people have suffered discrimination throughout our history. We oppose prejudice in all forms, not only when it is directed towards us. We are therefore compelled to stand with the GLBT community in their fight for equality and respect.”

The dean of Brisbane’s St John’s Anglican Cathedral (pictured), the Very Rev Dr Peter Catt, expressed similar sentiments in a personal submission to the inquiry.

Catt praised language in the proposed bill which made clear that churches would not be compelled to marry same-sex couples if it conflicted with their faiths.

“I … commend the fact that the proposed legislation will not affect the right of churches or other religious groups to celebrate marriage according to their own understanding and religious beliefs,” he wrote.

“I believe the inclusion of this provision will provide a positive space in which religious groups will be able to have their own internal debates and conversations about their approach to marriage. This in turn allows for these sectarian debates to be separated from the debate as it applied to the nation as a whole. I see this as an honouring of the pluralistic nature of Australian society.”

Western Australian Lutheran pastor Neil Hart also expressed his personal support on the issue.

“Although there are many people in our church who would oppose marriage equality, I … am aware that there are also many people in our church who would give their wholehearted support to such a change,” Hart wrote.

“This is particularly true for the younger people in our church.

“Jesus spoke up for the poor, the afflicted, the oppressed and the marginalised. Many Christian people that I am in contact with would, like Christ, demand justice for the marginalised and oppressed [LGBTI] community in Australia.

“It is unjust that same-sex couples cannot receive the same social acceptance and broad community celebration and support of their relationship that is only afforded in our society by the institution of marriage.”

However, the Lutheran Church of Australia has written to the inquiry to express its opposition to same-sex marriage despite its support for other areas of LGBTI rights.