Jump to content

Australian Christian Lobby: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
rearranged some content and renamed a section
Zaalbar (talk | contribs)
298 edits
Undid revision 521868475 true, but it still isn't correct to rebut his statement by trying to change/claim what he said/meant through the opposing statement. it's also WP:SYNTHESIS of the opposing sources
Line 52: Line 52:
In 2011 a document, endorsing marriage to remain between a man and a woman, was prepared by the Catholic, Anglican and Presbyterian Churches, under the auspices of the ACL. The document was endorsed by 50 of the national church leaders from the Anglican, Catholic, Christian Reformed Churches of Australia, Lutheran, Orthodox, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, Seventh Day Adventist Church and Uniting Church.<ref name="MarriageSenateHearing3"/>
In 2011 a document, endorsing marriage to remain between a man and a woman, was prepared by the Catholic, Anglican and Presbyterian Churches, under the auspices of the ACL. The document was endorsed by 50 of the national church leaders from the Anglican, Catholic, Christian Reformed Churches of Australia, Lutheran, Orthodox, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, Seventh Day Adventist Church and Uniting Church.<ref name="MarriageSenateHearing3"/>


Jim Wallace has said that, "the homosexual lifestyle has some disastrous health outcomes".
Jim Wallace has said that, "the homosexual lifestyle has some disastrous health outcomes". This conflicts with the position of major scientific institutions and organisations, which state that no [[sexual orientation]] in and of itself carries any greater health risks than others.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth.htm|title= CDC - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health|date=13 October 2012|publisher= Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |accessdate=13 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.apa.org/research/action/gay.aspx|title= Being Gay Is Just as Healthy as Being Straight|date=13 October 2012|publisher= American Psychological Association |accessdate=13 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.nmhdu.org.uk/news/mhep/sexual-orientation/|title= Sexual Orientation|date=13 October 2012|publisher= National Mental Health Development Unit (UK) |accessdate=13 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110202114957.htm|title= CPhysiological Impacts of Homophobia|date=13 October 2012|publisher= ScienceDaily |accessdate=13 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.lambda.org/teens_homophobia_980526.htm|title=
Gay Teens Bear Burden of Homophobia|date=13 October 2012|publisher= Lamba and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry |accessdate=13 October 2012}}</ref>


Jim Wallace and the ACL have accused both [[Australian Marriage Equality]]<ref name=opinion>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=13697 |title=Putting Pandora back in the marriage equality box|date=5 June 2012 |publisher= Online Opinion|accessdate=6 June 2012}}</ref> and [[The Greens (Australia)|The Greens]]<ref name=opinion/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://au.christiantoday.com/article/christian-lobby-greens-marriage-equality-is-inconsistency-is-revealed-by-rejecting-polygamy/13391.htm |title=Christian lobby: Green's 'marriage equality' inconsistency is revealed by rejecting polygamy|date=25 May 2012 |publisher= Christian Today|accessdate=28 May 2012}}</ref> of hypocrisy for supporting same-sex marriage but not polygamous marriage. In reference to an advocation for [[polygamy|polygamous]] marriage from an individual in May 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.com.au/national/confessions-of-a-polygamist-a-tale-of-one-mans-love-for-two-sisters/story-e6frfkvr-1226370398527 |title=Confessions of a polygamist: A man's love for two sistersl |author= Tory Shepherd |date=29 May 2012 |publisher= news.com |accessdate=30 May 2012}}</ref> Jim Wallace accused Australian marriage Equality campaign director Rodney Croome of using the same arguments against polygamous marriage that are used to argue against same-sex marriage.<ref name=opinion/>
Jim Wallace and the ACL have accused both [[Australian Marriage Equality]]<ref name=opinion>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=13697 |title=Putting Pandora back in the marriage equality box|date=5 June 2012 |publisher= Online Opinion|accessdate=6 June 2012}}</ref> and [[The Greens (Australia)|The Greens]]<ref name=opinion/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://au.christiantoday.com/article/christian-lobby-greens-marriage-equality-is-inconsistency-is-revealed-by-rejecting-polygamy/13391.htm |title=Christian lobby: Green's 'marriage equality' inconsistency is revealed by rejecting polygamy|date=25 May 2012 |publisher= Christian Today|accessdate=28 May 2012}}</ref> of hypocrisy for supporting same-sex marriage but not polygamous marriage. In reference to an advocation for [[polygamy|polygamous]] marriage from an individual in May 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.com.au/national/confessions-of-a-polygamist-a-tale-of-one-mans-love-for-two-sisters/story-e6frfkvr-1226370398527 |title=Confessions of a polygamist: A man's love for two sistersl |author= Tory Shepherd |date=29 May 2012 |publisher= news.com |accessdate=30 May 2012}}</ref> Jim Wallace accused Australian marriage Equality campaign director Rodney Croome of using the same arguments against polygamous marriage that are used to argue against same-sex marriage.<ref name=opinion/>

Revision as of 21:33, 7 November 2012

Australian Christian Lobby
Founded1995
Location
Area served
Australia
Key people
Chairman, Tony McLellan
Managing Director, Jim Wallace AM
Chief of Staff, Lyle Shelton
Websitewww.acl.org.au

The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) is a political organisation based in Canberra, which works in six different states and territories inside the country. Founded in 1995 as the Australian Christian Coalition by John Gagliardi—a lay leader of a large Pentecostal church in Brisbane—the organisation changed its name in March 2001. Under the motto of "Voice for values",[1] the Australian Christian Lobby has been considered as "a conservative Christian lobby group providing Biblical solutions for social issues".[2] The ACL has been involved in several controversies, most prominently in relation to its opposition to LGBTI rights such as same-sex marriage and LGBTI adoption and parenting.

Origin

The Australian Christian Coalition (ACC) was founded in 1995 on the initiative of John Gagliardi, a lay leader of a large Pentecostal church in Brisbane. Gagliardi had held journalistic positions as editor of the Townsville Bulletin and as anchorman for the Channel 10 news.[3] Co-founders were John McNicoll, a retired Baptist Minister turned lobbyist in Canberra, and John Miller. Miller worked with a number of community and government organisations and held leadership positions within his independent, community-based church.

The name of the organisation was changed to the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) in March 2001,[4] with the ABC describing the ACL as “a conservative Christian lobby group providing Biblical solutions for social issues”.[2]

Aim

ACL Managing Director
Jim Wallace AM

According to the ACL's website, "The vision of the Australian Christian Lobby is to see Christian principles and ethics accepted and influencing the way we are governed, do business and relate to each other as a community. The ACL aims to foster a more compassionate, just and moral society by seeking to have the positive public contributions of the Christian faith reflected in the political life of the nation."[5] As an example of supporting politicians who uphold Christian values, Jim Wallace has twice organised meetings between leaders of 20 major Christian churches and Prime Ministers.[6] The ACL also operates the 'Make A Stand' website which the ACL states "is a service provided to assist the Australian public to respond to political issues in a timely and effective manner."[7]

Organisation

The ACL is an Australian Public Company, Limited By Guarantee, registered (having an ABN 40 075 120 517) with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC).[8] ACL files political expenditure returns with Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).[9] Details regarding the ACL’s Board [10] and the ACL Staff [11] are available. ACL issues publications such as the magazine, "Viewpoint" which is provided to each Parliamentarian in Australia free of charge.[12] It provides Media Releases[13] and it communicates with its supporters via emailed newsletters.[14] Further information on the ACL organisation is available from its Annual Report.[15]

Lobbying efforts

Issues relating to family

In September 2011, during Child Protection Week, ACL released a report, For Kids’ Sake, in response to increasing levels of abuse, neglect and self-harm related to children, which the ACL state sliding marriage rates are partly to blame.[16]

The ACL has congratulated ACT Greens Party Convener, Meredith Hunter, on moves to introduce a voluntary code of conduct for retailers to help combat the sexualisation of children.[17]

Jim Wallace, who is a former SAS Commander, was called as an expert witness to a Standing Committee of States and Commonwealth Attorneys-General, reviewing classifications. The meeting was shown a, "selection of clips from various games to provide examples of the levels of violence and sexual content." One of those computer games was Modern Warfare 2. Jim Wallace told the committee that, "the games industry maintains it's just a game. It seems Anders Behring Breivik is smarter than that. In one of his blogs he said: "I see Modern Warfare 2 more as part of my training simulation than anything else".[18]

The ACL wanted to have the video game Sniper Elite V2 banned in Australia. They described the game, which lets players assassinate Adolf Hitler and contains graphic "X-ray" footage of bullets tearing through people, as "sick".[19]

In January 2012 the ACL criticised Cineplex Australia for displaying a live uncensored Twitter feed on its website, after comments which included swearing and jokes about bestiality appeared in the feed. Cineplex Australia subsequently removed the live feed, acknowledging "It shouldn't be on there."[20]

ACL support rights for LGBTI people including access for same-sex couples to Medicare, inheritances, superannuation benefits and social security income support.[21] Former attorney-general Robert McClelland has said protesters would not have recognised that the ACL had supported amendments to 84 pieces of commonwealth legislation that removed discrimination against same-sex couples.[22]

ACL has consistently supported marriage as, "the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life". In 2004, ACL jointly organised the National Marriage Forum to support this amendment to the Marriage Act and the Family Law Act.[23] ACL continues to advocate for marriage, as defined in the Marriage Amendment Act 2004.[24][25]

In May 2012 Jim Wallace appeared before the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee regarding the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2010. ACL made two written submissions to the committee.[26][27] Mr Wallace presented to the committee the ACL's position. Within his submission he stated that, "it is simply incongruous that homosexuality and heterosexuality be treated as equal, because they are so clearly different".[28]

In 2011 a document, endorsing marriage to remain between a man and a woman, was prepared by the Catholic, Anglican and Presbyterian Churches, under the auspices of the ACL. The document was endorsed by 50 of the national church leaders from the Anglican, Catholic, Christian Reformed Churches of Australia, Lutheran, Orthodox, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, Seventh Day Adventist Church and Uniting Church.[27]

Jim Wallace has said that, "the homosexual lifestyle has some disastrous health outcomes".

Jim Wallace and the ACL have accused both Australian Marriage Equality[29] and The Greens[29][30] of hypocrisy for supporting same-sex marriage but not polygamous marriage. In reference to an advocation for polygamous marriage from an individual in May 2012,[31] Jim Wallace accused Australian marriage Equality campaign director Rodney Croome of using the same arguments against polygamous marriage that are used to argue against same-sex marriage.[29]

Following a conversation with Wendy Francis of ACL, Chad St. James, Brisbane Editor of Same Same said, "While the two of us did not agree eye to eye on everything, my coffee chat with Wendy did show me another side of the marriage equality debate and why it is so important to exchange polite dialogue with the other side of it."[32]

On 19 September 2012, Australia’s House of Representatives voted against a bill to introduce same-sex marriage.[33][34] The voting was 98 against and 42 for.[35] Labor party MP's were allowed a conscience vote on the issue however Coalition MP's were not.[33] On 20 September 2012 the Senate voted against a second bill to introduce same-sex marriage. The voting was 41 against and 26 for.[36][37] On 27 September 2012 the Tasmanian Parliament voted against a third bill to introduce same-sex marriage.[38] The voting in the Lower House was 13 for and 11 against.[39] The voting in the Tasmanian Legislative Council was 8 votes against and 6 votes for.[40]

Opposition families spokesman Kevin Andrews told the Australian Christian Lobby that the battle to protect marriage in the federal parliament "was conclusively won".[41] He believes state governments do not have the constitutional power to make changes to marriage laws and that it would be an "extremely adventurous High Court to fly in the face of the commonwealth parliament".[42]

Issues relating to poverty and justice

ACL Chief of Staff Lyle Shelton states that poker machines are "causing incredible hardship to children and to families right across this nation and needs to be tackled".[43] In an effort to minimise harm associated with poker machines, the ACL has supported a trial for mandatory pre-commitment scheme.[44] The ACL has worked with GetUp!, the Salvation Army and the Churches Gambling Taskforce to establish the Stop The Loss Coalition which has launched TV and radio commercials designed to assist in, "say(ing) 'no more' to the $12 billion pokies industry and the dreadful harm they inflict on hundreds of thousand of Australians".[45]

ACL has worked with Micah Challenge to Make Poverty History and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals on halving global poverty by 2012.[46] In May 2012, Jim Wallace, said: "That we have both major parties abandoning their commitment to the world's poorest is a sad commentary on the level of both integrity and compassion in a Parliament Australians are increasingly losing confidence in."[47] In regards to refugees, the ACL called for all parties to stop playing politics and to co-operate on a solution.[48]

The ACL "supports the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the preamble of the Constitution".[49]

Regarding persecution of Christians in Egypt, the ACL has called on the Federal Government to pressure Egypt to protect religious minorities such as the Copts.[50]

ACL has asked that the ACT government's proposed religious vilification bill be shelved or abandoned, claiming the legislation will undermine freedom of speech and lead to drawn out legal battles.[51]

Issues relating to youth and education

ACL has established a training program for young people with the target group being 18 to 26 years. The Compass program was a "joint-initiative between ACL and the Compass foundation, which is based in New Zealand”. The program includes mentoring and coaching.[52] ACL has provided input into the formulation of the proposed Australian National Curriculum.[53] ACL lobbied against proposal to replace the terms Before Christ (BC) and Anno Domini (AD) with Before the Common Era (BCE) and Common Era (CE).[54] The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority later stated they would change the explanatory material to specify the BC and AD should still be taught (a move that the ACL applauded) as well as CE and BCE.[55]

In response to a reversal in direction of the Federal Government in relation to a promised policy for school chaplains, Jim Wallace said that "It’s not that schools shouldn't have secular student welfare workers but this should not have come from the pool of money promised to the National School Chaplaincy Program during the 2010 election campaign."[56]

ACL hosted the Make It Count event on 21 June 2010, where then-Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott spoke about their positions on a range of issues affecting Christians. Prominent Christian leaders of major denominations attended the Make It Count event.[57] Following Julia Gillard becoming the Australian Prime Minister on 24 June 2010, and prior to the 2010 Federal Election Jim Wallace conducted a video interview, using the same set of questions asked of Kevin Rudd.[58][59] Prior to the Australian 2007 federal election, ACL hosted a Make It Count event with the then Prime Minister John Howard and the then Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd.[60]

Prior to State Government elections ACL also hosts Make It Count events giving the major party leaders an opportunity to provide information on their vision for the State and how they propose to engage with the Christian constituency. Church leaders and others in the audience can also ask questions. State-based Make It Count events have been held in NSW,[61] Victoria,[62] Queensland,[63] Western Australia,[64] Tasmania,[65] Northern Territory[66] and the Australian Capital Territory.[67] These events are usually webcast to a wider audience. For both Federal and State elections, the ACL also holds Meet Your Candidate Forums, primarily in marginal seats, to give voters the opportunity to meet and question the people who are seeking their vote.[68]

Other issues

The ACL is pro-life and has lobbied for the repeal of legislation that sanctions abortion on demand. The ACL jointly organised a March for the Babies[69] to commemorate the second anniversary of the passing of Victoria’s abortion laws which allow abortion up until birth for any reason. As part of their anti-abortion efforts, the ACL sponsored Gianna Jessen, an 'abortion survivor' to come to Australia to talk about her experiences.[70]

Following what the ACL described as a "heart-wrenching story" about a sperm donor being removed from his child’s birth certificate, the ACL have lobbied to have biological details included on birth certificates,[71] on the grounds that removing the details could be damaging to children and their biological parents.[72]

The ACL lobbies against moves to legalise euthanasia by various territory, state and federal jurisdictions.[73] ACL claims the cheapening of human life by the promotion of suicide options, could lead to dangerous scenarios where healthy people could end their lives for comparatively trivial reasons such as a relationship break up.[74]

The ACL lobbies against prostitution[75] and have stated that some legal Australian brothels have ties to human trafficking and sex slavery.[76] As part of their efforts against prostitution, the ACL stated they were screening the documentary Nefarious: Merchant of Souls around Australia. The documentary "investigates the global sex trade and its links to legal brothels".[77]

Controversy and criticism

The ACL has been described by a critic as "extremist Christians" and "dominionists",[78] distinctions which the ACL deny and have countered.[79][80]

According to journalist Mark Serrels, a high ranking Australian Catholic Bishop who asked not to be named stated that the ACL is often driven not to change policy per se, but simply to make noise to satiate those who support and fund the group.[81]

A spokesperson from Queensland Churches Together has stated that whilst the ACL likes to think they represent all Christians, they do not "by any stretch of the imagination".[82]

Former attorney-general Robert McClelland has defended the work of the ACL and has described Jim Wallace as a "fair-minded man".[83]

Issues relating to LGBTI rights

Same-sex marriage

ACL actively oppose various political moves to recognize specific LGBTI rights in Australia, particularly those regarding same-sex marriage, LGBTI adoption and parenting, and have campaigned for the rights of religious organisations to be able to legally discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.[84] Jim Wallace has stated that the claim that there is any discrimination against homosexual couples is a "myth",[85] and the ACL has criticised the government for working with a gay advisory body to assist its decision making as "disgraceful and pandering to a minority".[86]

The ACL have stated that legalising gay marriage would result in religious ministers "being forced to conduct same-sex weddings against their conscience". A critic has described this statement as "a ridiculous lie", on the grounds that the bill in favour of legalising gay marriage at the time explicitly stated that would not be the case.[87] The ACL has stated that if gay marriage rights were granted, the next push will be for marriage to include polygamous relationships.[88] Gay marriage campaigners pointed out that polygamous marriage is not legal in any country that has legalised gay marriage.[89] The ACL cite the hiding of genetic parental information to children as a reason to prevent gay marriage and gay adoption.[90]

A study in June 2012 found the ACL raises LGBTI issues almost five times more than any other issue,[82] and described the ACL's campaign against gay rights as "relentless" and "disproportionate".[82] Other Christian leaders have stated the ACL's campaigning against gay rights does not represent the stance of all Christians, and several Christian Churches have stated they are frustrated and concerned about the ACL's actions on the issue.[82][91] Additionally, a 2011 Galaxy poll found that a majority of Christians support same-sex marriage.[92] Greens MP Colleen Hartland has stated "I would think [the ACL's] hatred of gays is un-Christian."[86] The ACL have been accused of trying to mislead the public into thinking the majority of Australians are against gay marriage, when polls at the time actually stated the majority were in favour of it.[93] A 2012 Galaxy poll found that 64% of Australians support same-sex marriage legalization.[94]

The ACL were involved in two petitions against gay marriage in 2011. The first was organised by church groups and collated by the ACL, and contained 52,300 signatures when it was presented to the senate in August.[95] At the same time GetUp!s counter-petition had 55,000 signatures supporting same-sex marriage.[95] By 2 December GetUp!s petition had increased to 140,285 signatures.[96] The second petition against gay marriage was jointly launched in October by the ACL and the Australian Family Association. Over a six-week period 100,586[97] people signed up.[98]

In 2012 Prime Minister Julia Gillard decided to pull out of her planned appearance at the ACL national conference after Jim Wallace made remarks that were interpreted as suggesting that homosexuality was more hazardous to health than smoking. Ms Gillard called the comments "heartless", "wrong" and "totally unacceptable".[99]

Anzac Day 2011

The ACL attracted controversy after Jim Wallace tweeted on Anzac Day in 2011: "Just hope that as we remember servicemen and women today we remember the Australia they fought for – wasn't gay marriage and Islamic!"[81][100] Wallace's comments were condemned by members of the public,[101] as well as other Christian leaders.[102] In response to the comments a group of Australian Christians started an online petition stating that the ACL does not represent their views. The petition was signed by over 250 people in its first 24 hours.[103] Wallace later deleted his comment[104] and apologised for its "ill timed" nature, but stood by the sentiment he expressed in the comment.[100]

Adshel advertisements

In May 2011 the advertising agency Adshel pulled a series of billboards from circulation in Brisbane following what has been described as a coordinated campaign from the ACL.[105] The advertisements, which were encouraging safe sex, featured a fully clothed, hugging gay couple holding an unopened condom packet. Adshel's CEO stated they removed the billboards after receiving around 30 complaints and that "None of the complaints indicated any liaison with the Australian Christian Lobby, so Adshel was made to believe that they originated from individual members of the public". The billboards were reinstated following counter-protests of their removal and revelations that the ACL was responsible for the campaign. When the ACL was accused of homophobia an ACL representative publicly stated their complaints had nothing to do with homosexuality and that they opposed "the sexual nature of the ads". However several of the individual complaints to Adshel suggested the ads would "encourage homosexuality".[106]

The ACL expressed concern at the cyberbullying of one of their staff members following the controversy.[107]

Both the major political parties voiced support for the ads. The then, State Treasurer Andrew Fraser said complaints about the ad were homophobic[108] and Healthy Communities executive director Paul Martin accused the ACL of trying to have gay people "erased from the public sphere".[109] Over 80,000 people joined a Facebook group supporting the ads following the ACL's actions.[108][110] The ACL's actions backfired further with several advertising agencies deciding to run the ads free of charge.[111]

In September 2011 Jim Wallace stated that online polls in favour of gay marriage could not be trusted as individual gay rights supporters were voting multiple times. Journalist Geoff Lemon accused Wallace of hypocrisy regarding this statement, noting the ACL had previously encouraged their supporters to send complaints to Adshel that did not mention any liaison with the ACL, so it would appear that the complaints were coming from individual members of the public.[93]

Nazi inferences

In July 2011, a person described marriage-equality advocates as, "feeding propaganda" and as “Gestapo”. Jim Wallace supported the comments. He suggested these advocates, "visit the museum in Nuremberg and see how important it is that these deplorable tactics be opposed.”[112] Jim Wallace was criticised by members of the Jewish and gay communities who said, "This kind of language is unacceptable in 21st century Australia. Those who glibly throw around such comparisons diminish the crimes committed by the Nazis and attempt to demonise the GLBT community."[113][114][115]

On 9 June 2012, Jim Wallace appeared in a debate on Channel 7's Sunrise program. Sunrise displayed a number of prominent - SUPPORT MARRIAGE EQUALITY, I DO - banners. Jim Wallace, during the debate said, "I think that this whole campaign would do great credit to Joseph Goebbels". "Let me explain . . ". The Sunrise presenters stopped Jim Wallace from explaining. Wallace was able to say, "You have changed the rules". "I am accusing Seven and Sunrise of getting into this campaign, as a foreign affairs and news show, as an activist and I think that is quite wrong".[116][117] Jim Wallace was criticised by members of the Jewish and gay communities who said, “It was highly offensive to both Jews and Gays to introduce to this issue a Nazi propogandist."[118][119]

National Marriage Day

The ACL was involved in the National Marriage Day rally in 2011. Conflicting sources report the ACL as either a co-founder of the rally[120][121] or just a supporter.[122] The ACL's Jim Wallace told those who attended that there was, "a need to end the pejorative language framing this debate."[122] The Sydney Morning Herald described the event as a "rally to ridicule gay marriage". Guest speakers at the rally stated gay marriage should be "laughed at and ridiculed" and associated gay marriage with paedophilia.[120][123] Regarding the comments made at the rally mental health psychologist Paul Martin stated "Prejudice and ridicule damage the mental health of young same-sex attracted people and the last thing they need to hear are these kinds of offensive comments from people who purport to represent 'family values'.[120]

The ACL constantly lobbied against efforts to introduce an R18+ classification for video games.[81] The video gaming community is extremely critical of the ACL's stance against R18+ video games.[124] Jeremy Ray, a video game reviewer who is Christian, has criticised the ACL's position on video games and accused the ACL of giving Christians a bad name over the issue.[125] Nathan Cambell, a Christian and student at Queensland Theological College wrote an open letter to Jim Wallace in response to his comments which noted Anders Behring Breivik's use of a computer game for training. Cambell accused Jim Wallace of trying to capitalise on the tragedy for political gain, and criticised Wallace's decision to condemn a video game rather than the perpetrator who identified himself as a Christian.[126] A commentator stated that the fact the Catholic Church was in favour of introducing R18+ video games and the ACL was not proved "once and for all" that the ACL do not represent all people of Christian faith.[127] The government announced in June 2012 that an R18+ category for video games would be introduced on 1 January 2013, "bringing Australia into line with the rest of the world".[128] The ACL is now lobbying for the R18+ classification, which is still having its standards determined, to allow no more sex and violence than the current MA15+ classification.[128]

The ACL is one of the primary supporters of Senator Stephen Conroy's mandatory Internet Blacklist.[129] The ACL seeks to extend the blacklist to filter all pornographic materials and not just materials which are considered inappropriate for children (the original reason for the blacklist's creation). An Australian citizen who wants to download pornographic material via the internet would then have to request that their internet service provider unblock the filter.[130] One day prior to the government announcement of a delay to the implementation of the internet filter scheme, the ACL was briefed leading to some criticism of their "disproportionate influence" on the filtering policy.[131]

See also

References

  1. ^ Lydia Kinda, Review of Breakfast Address by Jim Wallace, The Christian Legal Society, retrieved 14 November 2011
  2. ^ a b ABC Compass Social Issues, ABC, 2000, retrieved 1 October 2012
  3. ^ Sharpe, Brad (25 January 2001). "Business of God". Australia: Gold Coast Bulletin. Retrieved 4 November 2012.
  4. ^ Historical details for ABN: 40 075 120 517, Australian Business Register (historical details), retrieved 14 November 2011
  5. ^ About ACL, 2010, retrieved 23 October 2010
  6. ^ Dennis Shanahan (5 April 2011), Julia Gillard reaches out to Christian leaders, The Australian, retrieved 18 November 2011
  7. ^ Who Are We? (Make A Stand), 2010, archived from the original on 28 September 2010, retrieved 24 September 2010 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ Historical details for ABN: 40 075 120 517, ASIC, retrieved 15 November 2011
  9. ^ Political Expenditure Return - 2009-2010, AEC, retrieved 15 November 2011
  10. ^ Our Board, ACL, retrieved 15 November 2011
  11. ^ Our Staff, ACL, retrieved 15 November 2011
  12. ^ Viewpoint, Viewpoint, retrieved 14 June 2012
  13. ^ Media Releases, ACL, retrieved 15 November 2011
  14. ^ Newsletters, ACL, retrieved 15 November 2011
  15. ^ "ACL Annual Report 2011" (PDF). ACL. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  16. ^ Falling marriage rates hurting children: report, Melbourne: The Age, 6 September 2011, retrieved 27 October 2011
  17. ^ Christian lobby congratulates ACT Greens on first steps to combat sexualisation of children, ChristianToday, 2010, retrieved 27 October 2011
  18. ^ Jim Wallace (30 July 2011), Virtual classes of cold-blooded killing, The Australian, retrieved 12 March 2012
  19. ^ "Christian lobby wants Hitler sniper game banned". news.com. 30 April 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  20. ^ Donoughue, Paul (22 January 2012), "Tweets offend: Cineplex pulls feed", The Sunday Mail (Qld), retrieved 22 January 2012
  21. ^ ACL Submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission - Protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and sex and/or gender identity (PDF), November 2010, retrieved 26 October 2011{{citation}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
  22. ^ Nasty debate 'un-Australian': McClelland
  23. ^ The National Marriage Forum - Social Issues briefing #021 (PDF), Anglican Diocese of Sydney, 6 August 2004, retrieved 5 November 2011
  24. ^ Nicholas Tonti-Filippini (6 September 2011), Marriage is about rights of the children, Melbourne: The Age, retrieved 4 November 2011
  25. ^ Joe de Bruyn, National Secretary of the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (16 October 2011), The fight against same-sex marriage, ACL, retrieved 4 November 2011
  26. ^ Submission 147 to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, Concerning the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2010, APH Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, 4 May 2012, retrieved 17 May 2012
  27. ^ a b Submission 4512 to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, Concerning the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2010, APH Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, 4 May 2012, retrieved 17 May 2012
  28. ^ Witness statements, Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, 4 May 2012, retrieved 16 May 2012
  29. ^ a b c "Putting Pandora back in the marriage equality box". Online Opinion. 5 June 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2012.
  30. ^ "Christian lobby: Green's 'marriage equality' inconsistency is revealed by rejecting polygamy". Christian Today. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 28 May 2012.
  31. ^ Tory Shepherd (29 May 2012). "Confessions of a polygamist: A man's love for two sistersl". news.com. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
  32. ^ Chad St. James (27 August 2012). "Coffee with Wendy Francis". Same Same. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
  33. ^ a b Christian Lobby welcomes gay vote defeat, Herald Sun, 19 September 2012, retrieved 1 October 2012
  34. ^ Gay marriage bill defeated, Brisbane Times, 19 September 2012, retrieved 1 October 2012
  35. ^ No vote fires the opening salvo in the long cultural conflict over same-sex marriage
  36. ^ Australia votes against redefining marriage, The Christian Institute, 20 September 2012, retrieved 1 October 2012
  37. ^ Decisive senate votes 41-26 in favour of keeping the marriage act intact, The International News Magazine, 20 September 2012, retrieved 1 October 2012
  38. ^ MPs vow new gay unions bid, The Mercury, 29 September 2012, retrieved 1 October 2012
  39. ^ Parliament fills for gay marriage debate
  40. ^ MLCs defend their same sex vote position
  41. ^ Gay marriage 'conclusively' defeated, says Kevin Andrews
  42. ^ Same-sex marriage question settled says
  43. ^ Wilkie insists poker machine deal still holds, ABC, 18 January 2012, retrieved 19 January 2012
  44. ^ Christian lobby attacks Tony Abbott over poker machine reform, The Australian, 27 October 2011, retrieved 27 October 2011
  45. ^ Richard Willingham (29 February 2012). "Wilkie threat to vote against 'weak' pokie reform bill". SMH. Retrieved 1 March 2012.
  46. ^ Micah Challenge, ChristianToday, 2010, retrieved 23 October 2010
  47. ^ Bianca Hall (11 May 2012). "Coalition won't keep aid commitment". SMH. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  48. ^ Christian Lobby: with compassion and justice, both parties' refugee solutions could work, ChristianToday, 2010, retrieved 23 October 2010
  49. ^ ACL Submission to the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians (PDF), Sept 2011, retrieved 26 October 2011 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  50. ^ Australia must pressure Egyptian Government to protect Christians, ACL says, Australian Conservative, 18 August 2011, retrieved 18 November 2011
  51. ^ Lisa Cox (22 August 2012), Christian lobby takes govt to task, The Canberra Times, retrieved 1 October 2012
  52. ^ Interview - David Yates, Compass Australia Coordinator, Christian Today, 3 December 2007, retrieved 27 October 2011
  53. ^ Submission - Draft K‐10 Australian Curriculum (PDF), 28 May 2010, retrieved 1 November 2011
  54. ^ No more 'Before Christ', 6PR - Perth, 8 September 2011, retrieved 1 November 2011
  55. ^ Christian group applauds saving of AD, BC, Ninemsn news, 21 October 2011, retrieved 1 November 2011
  56. ^ Jim Wallace (31 May 2012). "The lobbyist's view: Secularising school chaplaincy". Sight Magazine. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  57. ^ Here God is anything but dead, SMH, 22 June 2010, retrieved 23 October 2010
  58. ^ Zwartz, Barney (6 August 2010), Gillard bid to win back Christians, The Age, retrieved 18 August 2012
  59. ^ Stephens, Scott (10 August 2010), The Prime Minister puts her faith in chaplaincy, ABC, retrieved 18 August 2012
  60. ^ Transcript – Australian Conference (PDF), National Library of Australia, 2007, retrieved 24 October 2011
  61. ^ ACL welcomes NSW political leaders' commitments, Catholic News, 16 February 2011, retrieved 4 February 2012
  62. ^ Christian lobby wins first political debate, ABC, 24 September 2011, retrieved 4 February 2012
  63. ^ Poll Call: February 3, Brisbane Times, 3 February 2012, retrieved 4 February 2012
  64. ^ ‘Make it Count WA’: Deputy Premier and Opposition Leader to address Christian voters, Christian Today, 21 August 2008, retrieved 4 February 2012
  65. ^ ‘Make it Count Tasmania’: Premier and Opposition Leader to address Christian voters, Christian Today, 2 February 2010, retrieved 4 February 2012
  66. ^ Guy, Russell (13 August 2012), Real Action in the wrong direction?, Alice Springs News, retrieved 18 August 2012
  67. ^ Christians 'disappointed' Stanhope will miss debate, The Canberra Times, 11 September 2008, retrieved 4 February 2012
  68. ^ Christian 'Meet Your Candidate' Forum in key Brisbane Seats, Christian Today, 18 March 2009, retrieved 4 February 2012
  69. ^ The abortion issue is alive and kicking, OnLine Opinion, 12 October 2010, retrieved 27 October 2011
  70. ^ Abortion survivor joins debate, Melbourne: The Age, 31 August 2008, retrieved 27 October 2011
  71. ^ "Christian lobby welcomes biological details inclusion on birth certificates". Christian Today. 17 February 2012. Retrieved 1 March 2012.
  72. ^ "Social policy lesson for Labor". Hobart Mercury. 16 August 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  73. ^ Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee’s Inquiry into the Rights of the Terminally Ill (Euthanasia Laws Repeal) Bill 2008 (PDF), APH, March, retrieved 23 October 2011 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help)
  74. ^ Mounster, Bruce (17 February 2012), Nitschke visit stirs debate, The Mercury, retrieved 28 February 2012
  75. ^ Bianca Hall (13 January 2012), Sex in the ACT: Part II, Canberra Times, retrieved 19 January 2012
  76. ^ Legal Australian brothels linked to human trafficking, sex slavery and organized crime, Life Site News, 12 October 2011, retrieved 27 October 2011
  77. ^ Christian Lobby: ACT government feeding demand for trafficked women, Christian Today, 24 February 2012, retrieved 28 February 2012
  78. ^ Stevenson, Chrys (23 September 2011). "Is the Australian Christian Lobby Dominionist?". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
  79. ^ Benson, Rod (19 September 2011), "Faith and Politics: Dismantling Stevenson's Dominionist Conspiracy", Australian Broadcasting Corporation, retrieved 25 October 2011
  80. ^ Wallace, Jim (23 September 2011), "Exposing Chrys Stevenson's Blind Faith", Australian Broadcasting Corporation, retrieved 25 October 2011
  81. ^ a b c Serrels, Mark (13 May 2011). "The ACL: Why Do They Exist, Why Do We Listen, And Why Should We Care?". Kotaku. Retrieved 28 July 2011.
  82. ^ a b c d "Christian Lobby analysis reveals strong gay focus". Brisbane Times. 9 June 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
  83. ^ Nasty debate 'un-Australian': McClelland
  84. ^ David Marr (12 February 2011), 'Appalling' law lets schools expel gay students, Sydney Morning Herald, retrieved 13 February 2011
  85. ^ Government should reject Australian Human Rights Commission’s suggestion to repeal Marriage Act, Christian Today, 2011, retrieved 23 October 2011
  86. ^ a b Willingham, Richard (N0vember 5, 2010). "Christian lobby rails against gay advisory body". Melbourne: The Age. Retrieved 20 October 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  87. ^ Holman, Jacob (27 April 2012). "Australia edges closer to a gay old time at the altar". The Punch. Retrieved 15 May 2012.
  88. ^ Patricia Karvelas (7 February 2011), Same-sex first, then polygamy, The Australian, retrieved 27 October 2011
  89. ^ "Christian lobby 'getting desperate'". Star Observer. 7 February 2011. Retrieved 24 May 2012.
  90. ^ Katherine Spackman, Senate’s donor conception report highlights issues ignored in gay marriage debate, Australian Christian Lobby, retrieved 13 February 2011
  91. ^ "PM shrugs off Obama's gay marriage support". WAtoday. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  92. ^ http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/marriagereligion.pdf
  93. ^ a b Lemon, Geoff (9 September 2011). "Jim Wallace is Optimus Prime". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  94. ^ http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/poll-shows-support-of-gay-marriage-at-high/story-e6frgczx-1226444286843
  95. ^ a b Katter brother boosts same-sex marriage, SMH, 24 August 2011, retrieved 28 February 2012
  96. ^ Gay marriage petition presented to ALP conference, The Sydney Morning Herald, 2 December 2011, retrieved 8 October 2012
  97. ^ "Labor's marriage reform". Ten News. 2 December 2011. Retrieved 23 February 2012.
  98. ^ Strong support for marriage petition (PDF), NSW Council of Churches, 4 December 2011, retrieved 28 February 2012
  99. ^ Harrison, Dan (6 September 2012). "Gillard singes Christian Lobby over 'offensive' gay remark". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 September 2012.
  100. ^ a b Packham, Ben (16 April 2011). "Christian lobbyist sorry for gays, Islam tweet". The Australian. Archived from the original on 12 July 2011. Retrieved 10 June 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  101. ^ Masters, Stephanie (25 April 2011). "Jim Wallace from Australian Christian Lobby causes Anzac Day outrage with anti-gay, anti-Muslim Twitter message". The Advertiser. Retrieved 15 May 2012.
  102. ^ "Wallace slammed by clergy". Star Observer. 26 April 2011. Retrieved 15 May 2012.
  103. ^ "Christians turn back on lobby". starobserver.com.au. 28 April 2011. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  104. ^ Ramadge, Andrew (25 April 2011). "Australian Christian Lobby chief Jim Wallace's Anzac Day slur sparks outrage". News.com.au. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  105. ^ Canning, Simon (1 June 2011). "AdShel backtracks on billboard ban". The Australian. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  106. ^ "Adshel reinstates gay HIV awareness billboard ad after Michael O'Brien's [[Facebook]] campaign". News.com.au. 1 June 2011. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2011. {{cite news}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  107. ^ "ACL QLD director receives abusive language and cyberbullying for campaigning against sexualized billboard". Christian Today. 2 June 2011. Retrieved 16 October 2011.
  108. ^ a b Sheldrick, Drew (7 June 2011). "Storm in a bus shelter". starobserver.com.au. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  109. ^ "Adshel reinstates safe sex ad after removal sparked online backlash". Herald Sun. 1 June 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  110. ^ "HIV campaigners outraged as safe sex ads pulled from Brisbane bus shelters". The Courier-Mail. 1 June 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  111. ^ Nancarrow, Dan (6 June 2011). "Bid to ban gay safe sex ad backfires further". brisbanetimes.com.au. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  112. ^ "Australian Christian Lobby rejects gay hate slur". ACL. 15 July 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  113. ^ Benjamin, Henry (15 July 2011). "Jewish Gays denounce Loree Rudd's Nazi inferences". jwire.com. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  114. ^ "ACL backs gay Nazi claim". Star Observer. 15 July 2011. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  115. ^ "Apology demand spreads". Star Observer. 20 July 2011. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  116. ^ "Same-sex marriage showdown". Seven Sunrise. 6 June 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2012. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  117. ^ Dan Harrison (7 June 2012). "Seven's 'I do' role draws complaint". SMH. Retrieved 9 June 2012.
  118. ^ "Statement from Aleph Melbourne in response to ACL Jim Wallace on Sunrise". aleph.org.au. 7 June 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
  119. ^ Benjamin, Henry (8 June 2012). "A desperate play". jwire.com. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
  120. ^ a b c "Anger over rally to ridicule gay marriage". The Sydney Morning Herald. 16 August 2011. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  121. ^ Van Onselen, Peter (20 August 2011). "Gays denied human rights". The Australian. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  122. ^ a b "ACL supports National Marriage Day Canberra". International News Magazine. 16 August 2011. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  123. ^ "Gay marriage ridicule 'damages youths'". The Sydney Morning Herald. 16 August 2011. Retrieved 16 August 2011.
  124. ^ Allen, Danny (9 August 2011). "Australian Census: A Vote For Jedi Is A Vote For Jim Wallace". Gizmodo. Retrieved 14 August 2011.
  125. ^ Ray, Jeremy (9 December 2010). "Australian Christian Lobby ... I disown thee". The Punch. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  126. ^ Serrels, Mark (28 July 2011). "A Christian's Open Letter To Jim Wallace And The ACL". Kotaku. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  127. ^ Serrels, Mark (26 May 2011). "Australian Catholic Bishops Welcomes The Draft R18+ Guidelines". Kotaku. Retrieved 14 August 2011.
  128. ^ a b Cauchi, Stephen (24 June 2012). "Call for strict line on R18+ games". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  129. ^ ACL Confirms Porn Filter Stance - Christianity Today., retrieved 1 April 2009
  130. ^ "Christians upset at Conroy's net policy 'backtrack'", The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 May 2009, archived from the original on 15 June 2009, retrieved 3 July 2009 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  131. ^ Fran Foo (20 July 2010), Concern at lobby group's influence as Christians get filter plan tip-off, The Australian, retrieved 20 July 2010
Cite error: A list-defined reference named "FairShare" is not used in the content (see the help page).
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Australian_Christian_Lobby&oldid=521889821"