Child of two mums “deeply hurt” by TV ad.
Prejudice behind ad will increase support for marriage equality.
Marriage equality advocates have labelled a new TV ad against the reform as fear-mongering and say children will benefit when same-sex couples can marry.
The new ad, sponsored by the Australian Marriage Forum and screening tonight on commercial television, declares that allowing same-sex couples to marry will “force a child to miss out on a mother or a father”.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said
“The Australian Marriage Forum campaign is actually harming the many Australian children being raised by same-sex couples because it defends discrimination against their families.”
“According to the Bureau of Statistics tens of thousands of Australian children are currently in the care of same-sex couples, and these children deserve the same opportunities as other children, including the opportunity of having married parents.”
Maya Newell, who was raised by two women in Sydney, said,
“As a child of two lesbian mums who have been in a committed, loving relationship for over 30 years I am deeply hurt by the Australian Marriage Forum TV campaign.”
“What kids need are parents who provide love, security and support, not two parents of the opposite gender.”
“Even though they haven’t been able to marry, same-sex couples have been raising children well for decades. I wish the Australian Marriage Forum would talk to the kids of same-sex couples before they decide to speak for us.”
Mr Croome said he expects the ad campaign to backfire.
“I assume the launch of this campaign on the same day as the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade is meant to be provocative, but actually it just highlights how out of place anti-gay prejudice is in our increasingly inclusive and respectful society.”
“If this campaign has any impact at all, its obvious prejudice and fear-mongering will actually increase support for marriage equality.”
Mr Croome urged supporters of marriage equality to leave a message with the local MP through the #EqualityCalling hotline on 1300 663 679.
All Australian governments, state and federal, recognise same-sex couples as parents. Access to IVF, adoption and surrogacy are allowed for same-sex couples in most states.
The AMF ad can be found by clicking here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668 or Maya Newell on 0422 474 465.
Author: Rodney Croome & Maya Newell
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 7 March 2015