Media release
MARRIAGE AND CIVIL UNIONS
Men and Women of Australia,
Unlike many countries, the Australian Constitution gives the Australian Government power over marriages, which is a power that Palmer United believes the Commonwealth need not, and should not, exercise.
Many churches are worried that same-sex couples will take legal action against them, forcing them to admit and marry people against their beliefs.
It has long been accepted that separation between church and state forms the basis of any democracy. We need to ensure the reach of government does not direct or require any religious organisations or churches to act against their beliefs.
Likewise we must ensure that all citizens are equal under the law.
Palmer United policy does not support a plebiscite on gay marriage. Any plebiscite will only divide the community, leading to bitterness and division of our society. We need to have unity, acceptance and a consensus in the values we believe in as Australians. True to those values, we must protect the rights of our churches and religious organisations, along with the rights of all our citizens, to be equal under the law. They are not mutually exclusive.
Marriage must be taken out of all Australian Government legislation and left to the sole jurisdiction of the churches.
All citizens must have the right to a civil union recognised by the Australian Government. No citizen or couple should have the right to force any church to marry them. To feel welcome and included in common beliefs is important for any person who is a member of any organisation. Any couple who has a civil union can be married if a church consents to admit them to marriage.
Marriage should be the sole preserve of the churches, as it goes to the core religious belief of individuals. No person should seek to be a member of any church that does not make them welcome or allow them to worship and be married.
The word religion means ‘way of life’ and government must be separate from religion. As Mark 12:17 tells us (King James version); And Jesus answering said unto them “Render to Caesar’s the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
The Labor and Liberal parties have the same policy – to have a plebiscite which puts off any decision for years and will lead to further bitterness and division in our community. We need to deal with this matter as soon as possible and move on to other important issues facing the nation.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and much happiness in the future.
All the best,
Clive Palmer
Ends