2016-02-15
Australian Greens marriage equality spokesperson Senator Robert Simms is urging the Government to abandon its plan to give taxpayer funds to organisations to run a "no" campaign in the lead up to a plebiscite on marriage equality.
"Our fears were confirmed last night when the Australian Christian Lobby revealed they have been approached and may receive taxpayer money to run a hateful "no" campaign in the government's marriage equality plebiscite," Senator Simms said.
"Public money should not be given to an organisation to peddle hateful, misinformation about LGBTI people and their families.
"The ACL has a history of making ludicrous statements claiming same sex marriage would be more harmful to the community than smoking. This is an organisation that is already clutching at straws while they prepare full-scale attack on LGBTI people and their loved ones.
"LGBTI people do not deserve to be put through the hate campaign, funded by tax dollars, that would be run on top of a $160 million plebiscite when the parliament has the power and the numbers to make marriage equality happen."
Media contact: Amy Moran 0417 173 508