ACL steps up anti-gay marriage campaign

A new video campaign by the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) showing how same-sex marriage will lead to polygamy has been labelled “simply not Christian” by marriage equality advocates.

The video is due to be emailed to 110,000 people today and features grabs from former High Court judge Michael Kirby from his address to the Senate inquiry into same-sex marriage.

Australian Marriage Equality national convener Alex Greenwich said the video goes against evidence that there is no link between allowing same-sex marriage and polygamy.

"The ACL's scaremongering is a sign of desperation and will be rejected by the majority of fair-minded Australians who want their gay friends and family members to be able to share in the values, traditions and joys of marriage as an exclusive, lifelong union,” he said.

"The international experience proves there is no link between same-sex marriage and polygamy, which is why conservative figures like Jeff Kennett, David Cameron, and New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, have no problem supporting same-sex marriages.

"This scare campaign proves the ACL has no argument left except fear. It's offensive nature will drive undecided politicians and members of the public towards supporting marriage equality."

This latest campaign against same-sex marriage by the ACL follows managing director Jim Wallace’s (pictured) recent appearance on Channel 7’s Sunrise program and has led to a growing number of Christian clergy who publicly condemn the stance of the lobby group.

Baptist Minister from Sydney, Pastor Mike Hercock, said the denial of marriage equality is marginalising same-sex couples.

“There is a consistent, dehumanising argument presented by the Australian Christian Lobby that attempts to create fear and demonise gay people and their desire for their relationship to be recognised in marriage. This is simply not Christian,” he said.

The news of the video campaign comes shortly after it was revealed that coffee shop chain Gloria Jeans Coffee International, whose owners have links to the controversial Hillsong Church, donated $30,000 to the ACL.

Gloria Jeans, which has over 500 shops in Australia, was quick to distance itself from the ACL and from Hillsong Church, stating it was a once off donation during the election period to support prime ministerial debate.

“What’s more, it is important to reiterate that we are not religiously affiliated or affiliated to any other beliefs or preferences, including Hillsong,” Gloria Jeans said in a statement.

“By the same token, nor do we discriminate against others based on their beliefs or preferences. We are proud of our culture of equality and embrace diversity across our entire business.

“The religious affiliation and preferences of some our management, Franchise Partners or Team Members, is their personal choice and bears no relevance to the way that our business runs day to day.”

Meanwhile ACL managing director Jim Wallace has been caught out making false claims that Denmark now forces its churches to perform same-sex marriages.

“Australian Parliamentarians would be naive to think activists will not target the church here after Denmark’s Parliament finally caved into their demands for church weddings,” Wallace said.

“Homosexual weddings will occur in Danish churches from next week after the Danish Parliament passed a law forcing all churches to perform them.”

“It is time politicians saw beyond the propaganda of the homosexual activists’ campaign and realised there are far-reaching consequences for freedom of speech, freedom of religion and the rights of children if the Marriage Act is changed.”

The recently passed Danish law now allows marriages within the country’s official church, the Danish National Church, but does not force individual pastors to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies.

The ACL video in question can be viewed here