The Australian Christian Lobby says it needs the signature of more Canberra residents as it launched a campaign to protest at the ACT's decision to press ahead with laws to allow marriage-like civil unions for gay couples.
The campaign comes as Canberra's Anglican Bishops call on the ACT Government to withdraw its Civil Union Bill.
"We believe this proposal actually threatens and compromises the traditional Christian view of marriage between a man and a woman.
"We further believe the proposal to apply lesser age requirements for such civil unions is thoroughly unhelpful to young people in their developing years, and is therefore not in their best interests or the ultimate good of society as a whole."
Their call comes as Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, launches a national inquiry into whether gay couples face disrimination when trying to gain access to financial benefits enjoyed by heterosexual couples. in areas such as superannuation, workers' compensation, veterans' pensions and Medicare.
"While the desire to remove discrimination and provide legal protection to same sex relationships is thoroughly commendable, we believe a registration system such as exists in Tasmania would guarantee that objective," says the statement from Bishop George Browning and Bishop Trevor Edwards.
Earlier Prime Minister John Howard told Channel 10 that the Federal Government's decision to Channel 10 was intended to preserve the "special and traditional place of marriage as a heterosexual union for life of a man and a woman in Australian society".
Mr Howard added that there was scope to remove discrimination against gay couples, but not to equate a gay union with a traditional marriage.
Sydney Anglicans have congratulated the Prime Minister on his stance.
The Bishop of North Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, speaking on behalf of the Diocese of Sydney, says Sydney Anglicans "recognise the importance of removing discrimination in legal matters, and allowing for the rights of single people in matters such as inheritance and property'.
"Nevertheless, we cannot agree to any proposal that would tend to equate a civil union with marriage between a man and a woman.
"To conduct a marriage-like ceremony, although it purports to be different by calling it a civil union, would be an affront to the established view of marriage as enshrined in the Marriage Act, and could eventually threaten and strike at the foundations of marriage.
"I am therefore glad that the Prime Minister Mr Howard, together with the Attorney-General Mr Ruddock, have taken such a strong and positive stand in reaffirming traditional marriage for the wellbeing of our society."
If you are an ACT resident and wish to protest at the government's plans read this.
