When Liberal election candidate John Church told a Newcastle forum on Wednesday night that his Christian faith put him at odds with same-sex marriage, Fredric Holten almost fell out of his chair.
Only three months earlier, Mr Holten got a personal letter from Mr Church, promising to ‘‘remove inequality and bigotry wherever it should raise its head in society’’.
Mr Holten will this week celebrate his 20th anniversary with his same-sex partner. He recently wrote to all election candidates asking them for their views on marriage equality.
Mr Church replied on an official letterhead: ‘‘…my guiding principle in this debate would be to use my position in Parliament to remove any form of discrimination’’.
‘‘There is no place in a modern Australian society for people to face discrimination due to sexual preference or gender … and I would work to remove such obstacles,’’ he wrote.
At Wednesday night’s candidate forum, Mr Church was asked if he would support marriage equality in a conscience vote.
‘‘My personal view is formed by my Christian faith and I support marriage between a man and a woman,’’ he said.
Mr Holten, from Mount Hutton, said yesterday that he and his partner had not had ‘‘the same legal protection that ‘straight’ couples enjoy’’ for the 20 years they have been together.
‘‘It is clear by comments from Mr Church he doesn’t hold true to his written word and that’s unacceptable,’’ he said.
‘‘I expect on an issue that affects my life, rights and at times my safety within society that potentially elected officials show more decency and respect and be honest and truthful.’’
Mr Church yesterday stood by both comments, saying they had to be seen in context.
‘‘I made my personal view very clear on Wednesday night – I was asked for my personal view and I answered honestly,’’ Mr Church said.
‘‘In my letter to Mr Holten I was saying, with my personal view aside, if my electorate tells me to stand up for marriage equality, then I will do it.
‘‘The role of a local member is to be an advocate and voice for the people in my electorate, not just a voice for my own personal beliefs, and that is the local member I intend to be.’’
Labor candidate for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Labor MP for Shortland Jill Hall both told the forum they were strong supporters of ‘‘marriage equality, social justice and human rights’’.
Liberal candidate for Newcastle Jaimie Abbott was far less resolved. Having this year backed the Coalition’s definition of marriage being between a man and a woman, she told the forum that she would seek the views of her community before any conscience vote.
TRANSCRIPT OF LETTER SENT TO FRED HOLTEN ON APRIL 5, 2013
Dear Fred,
Thanks for your email regarding same sex marriage.
Let me say at the outset that my guiding principle in this debate would be to use my position in parliament (if elected) to remove any form of discrimination.
There is no place in a modern Australian society for people to face discrimination due to sexual preference or gender, race or religion and I would work to remove such obstacles.
As a matter of record you should know that the Coalition does not seek to prevent or discourage people from entering into same sex relationships.
I am so pleased that you have raised the issue and are engaged in the political debate.
My promise is to work with you to remove inequality and bigotry wherever it should raise its head in our society.
I hope to represent the entire electorate of Shortland if elected in September and my door will always been (sic) open to those looking for someone to advocate on their behalf.
Yours sincerely,
John Church
Author: Jason Gordon
Publication: Newcastle Hearld
Date: 12 July 2013