Media Release – Gregory Storer

Gillard Condemned for Doing it Her Way

Gregory Storer — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 02:31:17 +0000

In the clearest example yet of why we need true secularism in Australia, Gillard has openly stated that she believes Australia has a Christian Heritage¹, thereby negating all other immigrants that have arrived in Australia since European settlement and wiping away tens of thousands of years of indigenous heritage.

The Secular Party of Australia condemns Gillard for her outrageous claim that she accepts Australia’s cultural and religious heritage. She ignores the fact that 42% of residents in Melbourne Ports are not Christian and she uses religion as an excuse to deny equality for all Australians.

Gillard stated in an interview that she accepts the Christian reason for marriage and ignores the fact that the Marriage Act was only changed in 2004 to specify marriage between one man and one woman. Her use of the term ‘Christian heritage’ is disrespectful and deeply offensive to married people of no faith and of other religions.

Despite her personal held beliefs about marriage, she should not allow her decision to be based on religious grounds to the detriment of a section of the community. Government should be about protecting minorities against the unjustifiable will of the majority.

The Secular Party of Australia’s policy is equality for all. The removal of religion from government decision making is now paramount. No one religion should be used to lord it over the rest of the population.

Media Release – Gillard Stands Condemned (20 Aug 10)

SOURCE ↩

Major Parties Don’t Deserve Equality

Gregory Storer — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:23:31 +0000

Australian Marriage Equality today released a statement on the major parties’ position on same-sex marriage. Peter Furness, the National Secretary said:

For people who want to vote for equality the choice is clearly not the Coalition or Labor

The Secular Party was amongst the minor parties commended for their stance on marriage equality. Read the party’s statement.

Here’s the full release:

AME Media release- major parties don’t deserve equality vote

Danby announces support for Same-sex Marriage

Gregory Storer — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:54:22 +0000

The Melbourne Ports Candidate Forum last night was a great opportunity to answer some questions and for me to explain a bit about the Secular Party and our policies.

There were several questions about gay rights, and again I challenged Danby to take that one extra step and support same-sex marriage. He has not come out and publicly declared his position before, but with three gay candidates up on the stage he clearly felt the pressure to say something:

“I’m not saying that at this election that I support changing the legislation for gay marriage but it’s coming and in the next government I will expect there will be serious movement within the Labor party on that issue and I know a number of other people apart from myself will be running with it. “

It’s gratifying to know that the Labor Party is re-examining it’s position on same-sex marriage and if they are returned to government we can look forward to a significant change to the Labor Party policy.

The Liberal Candidate for Melbourne Ports is also in favour of gay marriage, and has stated that he would cross the floor to vote in support of equal rights.

Media Release – Danby Announces Labor Party Policy Shift on Same-Sex Marriage

Gregory Storer at the Candidates Forum St Kilda Town Hall

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