8 July 2004

Dear Friends,

The [Australian] Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee is conducting an inquiry into the Marriage Legislation Amendment Bill, which has been passed by the House of Representatives but blocked by the combined forces of Labor, Greens and Democrats in the Senate.

The bill was introduced after several homosexual and lesbian couples from Australia went to Canada recently to get "married" under new Canadian laws. They have come back home to apply to our courts to have their "marriages" recognised as valid in Australia. It is yet another attempt to change the meaning of marriage through non-elected activist judges rather than parliament.

PM John Howard has responded by trying to make the law so clear that even activist judges cannot twist it. The ALP gave nominal support to this idea in the House of Reps where Labor is in a minority, but ALP Senate action - referring this simple bill to a committee for extended deliberation - suggests a different agenda.

The Marriage Legislation Amendment Bill defines marriage as "the union between a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life". It prohibits Australian recognition of same-sex "marriages" contracted overseas, and the adoption of overseas children by same-sex couples.

It is under great attack from homosexual groups who have sent in many submissions opposing the bill and calling for marriage to be defined as "the union between two adults".

But where are the submissions from those supporting traditional marriage? So far there have been hardly any, according to a parliamentary source.

God bless!

ROS

Mrs Roslyn Phillips, B Sc Dip Ed Research Officer, Festival of Light Australia http://www.fol.org.au