Opposing gay marriage 'isn't unfairness'

9 Aug 2012, 4:16 pm   -   Source: AAP

Christian opposition to gay marriage does not equal discrimination, a Presbyterian church leader says.

Opposing same-sex marriage is not discrimination for Christians because it is based on the Bible's teachings, the Presbyterian church's Australian leader says.

Hobart-based the Rev David Jones says comments that legalising gay marriage will finally end a form of discrimination are misguided.

Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings announced she would introduce legislation for same-sex marriage at the ALP state conference on Saturday, reigniting the national debate on the issue.

"We continually are told that the legalisation of same-sex marriage would end perceived discrimination against same-sex couples who are currently not able to marry under federal government law," Mr Jones said in a statement on Thursday.

"But at least from the church perspective, opposition to such legalisation has nothing to do with discrimination.

"Plain and simply, Christians oppose same-sex marriage because the Bible, the word of the God who created male and female and also created marriage, clearly and distinctly says that marriage is between one man and one woman - which means not between two men or two women."

Mr Jones is the most senior member of Australia's Presbyterian church and has the title of moderator general.

He says the definition of marriage is provided by God in the first book of the Bible, Genesis, and it is referred to throughout.

The church's NSW and Victorian assemblies have stated their opposition to bills before the federal parliament.

The Australian Christian lobby has been vocal in its opposition to the Tasmanian government's plan, while the NSW Council of Churches has urged Premier Barry O'Farrell not to follow the island state.

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