Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson’s call for marriage equality but respect for religions
HUMAN Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson has today made reference to Martin Place siege victim Tori Johnson in a plea for Australia’s parliamentarians to give the green light to same-sex marriage.
But in comments that have dismayed a marriage equality advocate, Wilson questioned whether it would be right to penalise people who might choose not to work at same-sex ceremonies due to a religious belief.
In a wide ranging speech at the National Press Club in Canberra this afternoon, Wilson, who is openly gay, said it was hypocritical for governments to expect all citizens to contribute equally but then arbitrarily deny some their equal rights.
“Every day gay and lesbian Australians are expected to fulfil their civil obligations,” he said.
“They’ve paid their taxes, worked, volunteered in civil society, fought and died in battle, and fallen to save others at Port Arthur and Martin Place.
“They’ve met their responsibilities; shouldn’t they get their civil rights too?”
Johnson, the manager of the Martin Place Lindt café, was one of two people who died in December’s siege.
Wilson said that while marriage was a “time-tested and valuable institution,” it was strong enough to withstand change.
However, the commissioner said the issue had been raised with him about the consequences for religious freedom should same-sex marriage be legalised.
“There is concern that if the law changes, civil celebrants, venues and photographers will face fines if they don’t participate in weddings they disagree with, as has occurred in the United States,” he said.
“I do not think that is constructive way forward.”
Wilson, whose portfolio also includes sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex rights, also said state governments should cease forcing married couples to divorce if one subsequently undergoes gender reassignment and chooses to have this reflected on official documentation.
“We should never be using the law to break resilient marriages apart,” he said.
Wilson, who was appointed to the role of commissioner in late 2013 by attorney general George Brandis, added that more needed to be done to educate service providers around trans* issues.
“In Brisbane I met with mothers desperately seeking access to medical and mental health services for their transgender children,” he said.
“Their stories were heartbreaking. All they wanted was the opportunity for their children to grow up and live happy, healthy lives.”
Australian Marriage Equality (AME) national director Rodney Croome applauded Wilson’s continued support.
“His advocacy, particularly to libertarian and conservative decision makers, is critical to achieving this reform,” he said.
However, Croome believes religious celebrants already had the legal right to choose who they marry and AME saw no reason in watering down anti-discrimination protections for possible future ceremonies.
“Wedding industry providers have everything to gain and nothing to lose from marriage equality,” he said.
“I’d urge Mr Wilson to do more to calm the fears of marriage equality opponents and less to legitimise them.
A forthcoming Human Rights Commission report announced by Wilson last May will recommend steps to ensure LGBTI Australians received fair treatment from government services.
Fuck ’em. Get into a new industry.
Also – in response to the MANY people below – NO – gay people are not obligated to be left wing so STOP acting surprised that a gay man can be right wing.
I agree with him. A person should be able to choose who they want and dont want to do business with. I dont agree with fascism led by lgbt “representatives”. Their views dont represent my own.
All discrimination ought to be illegal !! End of story !!
I agree with Tim 100%. A lot of hatred for the Liberal party on here isn’t at all relevant to what Tim is saying. It’s not a discriminatory argument at all. Why would you want somebody who hates you, to marry you ?
Wow not too bright Ben .
He’s a believer. Can’t he just pray for gays to go away?
Separation of Powers.
The State recognises my birth, death and should also recognise my marriage. My birth and death are automatically recorded regardless of my sexual orientation, as is my partners. Our union should be automatically recognised if we choose to formalise it. Whether a religious institution allows me to have the non-legally binding ceremony in their premises and/or facilitated by one of their staff, is a separate issue. Remove the legally binding recognition (marriage certificate stuff) from the churches – maintain the separation of powers.
The department of Hatch’em, Match’em and Dispatch’em should be completely removed for any religious ideology.
He’s not just saying churches. He’s saying “civil celebrants, venues and photographers”. He’s talking about entrenching the right to discriminate in legislation.
Remember who appointed him…. the token gay defender of rights.
The personal insults on here about Tim are too much. Stick to the debate on the issues rather than resort to personal insults.
Who would want homophobes at their wedding.
I agree with Tim
imagine the wonderful new market in the “wedding industry” and opportunities for enterprising folk.. So anyone who opposes can piss off
I disagree with Tim, I’d have concerns if the law allowed any discrimination in the provision of service to people based on someone’s sexuality.
Rabbit is losing the economy billions due to his religious prejudices. Open for business? I think not!!!
Sack the stooge – Abbott’s stooge…
oh bugger off Tim Wilson. Wake up and step into this millennia .
Don’t worry, if same sex marriage is legalised, there’ll be a shit ton of businesses and churches on board. The ones that aren’t will realise all the $$$ they’re missing out on and will suddenly have a ‘change of heart’.
It is always in favour of the religious, Exemptions from vilification rules etc etc. To be honest if a relgious person was not supportive of my marriage to my partner it would be me saying NO well before he had a chance to. However I would be savage if a religious heirachy were to dictate to all of their pastors to follow their prejudice. This should always be an individual choice. Oh and Tim your advocacy for equality of marriage is admirable but your entry into the murky area of relgious freedoms is not for you to work out.
Why does this differ from being refused a job, accommodation or services because you are LGBTI? What is Wilson’s credentials again?
The industry will take off with some celebrants specialising in gay marriages. Any celebrant who is opposed to gay marriage probs doesn’t have enough style to be good enough for a gay wedding imo. Bring on glitter and fashionistas!
His concerns are irrational. What does the law of the land say? If the law says same sex marriage is allowed, then they have to perform the ceremony without discrimination.
He has got to be kidding, that’s discrimination. He, as a gay man should be ashamed of himself. Then again he is one of Abbott’s Liberal appointees, so just a puppet of the government and its ultra conservative ways. One step away from fascism.
Why? Religion has no respect for anybody who doesnt agree with them. time they grew up the world is diverse
I think this would be legislative discrimination and akin to apartheid. Why should religious organisations get exemptions? Do they get exemptions for gender based, marital status based, political affiliation based or ethnicity based discrimination? Just asking for a level playing field
are they in the wedding industry or not? if they don;t want the job they shouldnt have to do it. plenty will
The issue is that anyone who opposes equality in marriage should not be allowed to officiate. Simple really.
That’s kind of the antithesis of the Commission he heads isn’t it? If he doesn’t want to do the job he should quit.
Tim’s an idiot.
What a load of rubbish! I work in accordance to the expectations of my employer. What difference does it make should a same sex marriage event be involved?