Australian Church Leaders fight to maintain marriage

50 plus christian representatives lobby too keep matrimony between a man and a woman

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard promised to keep "our heritage as a Christian country." But heavy opposition from her Green Party opponents are challenging that promise.

According to a survey released by same-sex advocates, 53% of Australian Christians are supportive of gay marriage. This has prompted over 50 Church leaders to campaign in keeping marriage traditional.

"We know the support for the current definition of marriage is strongly held by the vast majority of other faiths," said the leaders representing Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Orthodox, and Presbyterian denominations.

"The identity of children and their internationally recognised right to know, have access to and be nurtured by both their mother and father."


"The Marriage Act has a special status in our culture," said Gillard who promised not to change the law as a campaign promise.

Cardinal George Pell
Catholic Archbishop of Sydney
One of 50 Church Leaers who oppose
same sex marriage legislation

The PM's party the Australian Labour Party (ALP) believe the country's Green Party are bringing this up for debate to damage Gillards reputation.

Well known Australian doctor Karyn Phelps is one of the players for the Marriage act to be amended. Last night she and her partner met with Gillard saying if the government refuses to change the law they will be ignoring 60% of the population.

Australian MPs will be visiting their constituents to gauge opinion on this matter. The debate on changing the marriage law is expected to take place in November at the ALP National Conference.