Same-sex marriage debate withdrawal 'disappointing'

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on July 18th 2011

- Opponents of equality harm their cause by playing victim card
- Uni decision to consider continuing with debate welcomed
- Renewed call on Tas MPs to focus on preventing hate crime

Tasmanian gay activist, Rodney Croome, says many Tasmanians will be disappointed by the withdrawal of anti same-sex marriage advocates from an up-coming debate in Launceston organised by the University of Tasmania.

This morning the Australian Christian Lobby’s Managing Director Jim Wallace, Tasmanian Liberal MP, Michael Ferguson, and Australian Family Association spokesperson, Terri Kelleher, announced their withdrawal citing fears of "personal attack and vitriol".

Mr Croome, who was to put the case for same-sex marriage, along with Education Minister, Nick McKim and Tasmanian writer, Danielle Wood, said,

"Tasmanians deserve to hear both sides of this important public issue and many will be disappointed by the withdrawal of one side so close to the event."

"Personally, I was looking forward to an opportunity to re-assure Jim Wallace, Michael Ferguson and Terri Kelleher that marriage equality advocates like myself want a mature and respectful public discussion about this issue."

"A respectful discussion is something my colleagues and I have committed ourselves to repeatedly, despite provocative language from Jim Wallace comparing same-sex relationships to polygamy, and from Kevin Rudd's sister, Loree, comparing marriage equality advocates and the Gestapo."

Mr Croome questioned the reason for the withdrawal.

"This debate was the perfect opportunity for opponents of marriage equality not only to put their case, but to address whatever concerns they have about the tone of public debate."

"By withdrawing it looks like they trying to win public sympathy by playing the victim card rather than actually making their case, and this does their cause no good at all."

Mr Croome welcomed a decision by the University of Tasmania to seriously consider going ahead with the event, possibly in a less formal Q and A style format.

In response to Michael Ferguson's announcement that he will not take legal action against Brenton Best MP over accusations that Mr Ferguson has incited gay hate, Mr Croome repeated his call for all state politicians to stop bickering and focus on the preventing hate crime.

"The best remedy to hate crime are the kind of class-room anti-homophobia programs which have been proven to reduce levels of prejudice, discrimination and bullying."

"I call on the state's leaders, including Education Minister, Mr McKim, and Opposition Education Spokesperson, Mr Ferguson, to commit to these programs."

Mr Best's accusations came during parliamentary debate about a recent gay-hate attack on Ulverstone man, Daniel Stanley.

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.