Queensland government will ‘throw families into chaos’

Queensland government will ‘throw families into chaos’

An open letter on behalf of the Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) support organisation has warned Queensland Premier Campbell Newman that his government’s rollback of civil unions and proposed surrogacy ban has the potential to “destroy families”.

Signed by PFLAG’s national spokeswoman, Shelley Argent, the letter appeared as part of a paid advertisement in Queensland’s Courier Mail on July 26.

In the letter, Argent talks about the conversation she must now have with her gay son about his future within the state. She advises him that if he wants to live a life where his relationships are considered equal and he can make a family, he must leave Queensland.

The letter asks the premier if his position on civil unions and surrogacy would be the same if he were forced to have the same conversation with his daughter.

Argent told the Star Observer that PFLAG was motivated to write the letter because the state government was “targeting” the gay community.

“Watering down civil unions and repealing surrogacy will throw families into chaos, we cannot sit by as parents and let them think we’re going to condone their actions,” she said.

“LGBTI Queenslanders are already suffering depression and anxiety and uncertainty in their future.”

Argent said the conversation in the letter mirrored almost an exact talk she had had with her son.

“As a parent… I am so thankful that my son doesn’t live in this state,” she said.

“I encourage all LGBTI people who are concerned to stand up and voice their opinions. Contact their MPs and tell their personal stories. If enough people did this, it would have to have an impact.”

A copy of PFLAG’s letter can be seen here.

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