Thousands raised for straight ally

The LGBTI community has donated more than $9000 to ousted Baptist minister Reverend Matt Glover, who was forced to leave his church because of his views on same-sex marriage.

At a benefit for Glover and his family held at DT’s Hotel in Richmond last month, $1700 was raised.

Meanwhile, an online campaign, led by lobby group Australian Marriage Equality (AME) and Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), raised $8000.

Glover, a married man with two children, stepped down from the Lilydale Baptist Church last year after church members voted to remove him following his public support for same-sex marriage.

Benefit organiser and AME member Carl Katter said he was pleased with the community’s support.

“He’s certainly been a great advocate for us and we’re glad we could help him out,” Katter said.

“He’s a great leader and represents the view of a majority of Christians who support marriage equality.”