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Marriage rally in Sydney Dec 3

Filed under: marriage, same-sex marriage — Leave a comment
November 25, 2011

Independent MP Bob Katter addresses a similar marriage rally in Canberra in August 2011.

We’re hearing it a lot these days: “equal love,” “marriage equality.”  But cut through the spin and rhetoric, and you’ll find that opposition to same sex marriage is not about defending the prejudices of bigots and homophobes, but about promoting the profound benefits that marriage delivers to society.

Our greatest national resource is our families, and the strength of those families depends to a large extent on the qualities of the relationships between married couples responsible for bearing and raising children.  Changing the law to recognise same sex marriage is precisely the wrong way to go in building a stronger and more stable society. 

The National Marriage Coalition supports the current definition of marriage, and sees the need for a massive increase in government spending to support and strengthen Australian marriages.  The National Marriage Coalition will hold a public meeting in support of marriage on Saturday December 3 in Martin Place, Sydney, starting at 10am.  Turn up with your family to show your support for marriage!

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 27 November 2011.

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Marriage petition passes 80,000

Filed under: marriage, politics and faith, same-sex marriage — Leave a comment
November 25, 2011

Next weekend the ALP National Conference is expected to decide on whether to change its policy and formally support same-sex marriage. 

There is a great deal of concern among people of faith, and more broadly in the Australian community, at the prospect of one of the bedrock institutions of our society being transformed by a change in the law, to appease a small number of people who won’t be satisfied until the last vestige of traditional morality has been swept away.

The good news is that support for marriage is growing stronger.  More than 80,000 people have signed the marriage petition at http://australianmarriage.org.au, and that number is expected to pass 100,000 in the next week.

There are profound cultural and heritage reasons why marriage should not be extended to include same-sex couples.  The justice issues have already been addressed. 

A vote for same sex marriage will change the meaning of marriage in Australian society, and spell political suicide for dozens of Labor politicians.

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 27 November 2011.

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Humanists object to Christmas

Filed under: atheism, Christmas, secularism — Leave a comment
November 25, 2011

With just four weeks to go, the Christmas rush is on in earnest.  Gifts are being bought, presents wrapped, carols are playing, Christmas trees and nativity scenes are appearing, and we’re winding down in readiness for another hot lazy Australian summer commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Meanwhile, in America, the Humanist Association has launched a public awareness campaign, highlighting alleged discrimination against atheists and agnostics offended by the public recognition of the meaning of Christmas, and accusing Christians of prejudice against those who don’t believe in God.

But Matthew Staver, chairman of the pro-Christian Liberty Council, said the campaign was a crass and badly timed attempt at restricting religious freedom.

No doubt there are atheists in Australia too, intent on drawing people away from the manger, seeking to impose their secular views on this great cultural festival.  If only the atheists would pause and feel the joy, and the love, of Christmas. 

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 27 November 2011.

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Doctors support poker machine reform

Filed under: gambling, politics and faith — Leave a comment
November 20, 2011

The Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship of Australia has expressed deep concern at the number of Australians with gambling problems.  The effects of gambling addiction extend beyond the individual to their family, and include depression, relationship breakdown, bankruptcy, lowered productivity in the workplace, job loss, criminal behaviour, and suicide.

Dr Michael Burke, executive officer of the Fellowship, said “problem gambling is a serious public health issue that is damaging the lives of more and more Australians.”

He said doctors were regularly seeing the effects of problem gambling in the lives of their patients, and he welcomed the federal government’s commitment to tackle problem gambling by introducing pre-commitment technology for poker machines.  He urged the government not to give in to lobbying by those who want to water down these reforms.

As the deadline for federal government action draws near, more and more Australians are supporting gambling reform, and scorning the clubs and hotels hell-bent on unethically extracting profits from those who can least afford it.

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 20 November 2011.

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Alcohol sale reform in NSW

Filed under: alcohol, NSW politics — Leave a comment
November 20, 2011

The NSW Government may be fast asleep when it comes to gambling reform, and Premier Barry O’Farrell has in the past resisted moves to curb excessive alcohol consumption.

But many in our community will welcome a new bill, introduced by the government, to encourage the responsible sale of alcohol by establishing a three-strikes disciplinary system for licenced venues where there have been multiple breaches of the Liquor Act.

The bill targets “rogue” licensees and licenced venues that are repeatedly linked with violent behaviour or refuse to respect existing laws.  Liquor licences can be revoked or suspended, or conditions may be placed on a liquor license, which would have a direct impact on the viability of the store or venue.

Alcohol is a popular drug that is easily accessed and easily misused.  It is responsible for street violence, family violence, health problems and poverty.  The O’Farrell Government is to be commended for this small positive step toward harm minimisation.

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 20 November 2011.

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