FamilyVoice is heard in Macquarie Street – “for family, faith and freedom”

Media Release - July 2008

On Wednesday, July 30th, 2008, a group of 15 Christians supporting FamilyVoice Australia (formerly Festival of Light Australia) gathered at NSW Parliament House in Macquarie Street, Sydney.  They were there to present copies of an open letter to Premier Iemma, expressing deep concern about his government's move to extend parenting rights to a mother’s lesbian partner – including the false designation as “parent” on the child’s birth certificate.

FamilyVoice Australia’s motto is: “A Christian voice for family, faith and freedom” – and that voice was heard in Macquarie Street on 30 July.

FamilyVoice circulated an open letter opposing this move in May, and people were invited to sign and return it to the FamilyVoice office.  FamilyVoice received over 3500 signed letters from people in NSW.

National President, Dr David Phillips explained: “The legislation was rushed through both houses of parliament with very little notice or publicity, so there was no time to present the letters before the vote.  However we still wanted to let both the government and opposition know that thousands of people in NSW opposed this move.  We have produced a personal copy of the letter plus details of all the signatories for every member of the NSW Parliament - both lower and upper houses - to express our concerns.”

Hon David Clarke MLC was the first politician to appear in person to receive the folder of letter and signatories from Dr David Phillips.  He was closely followed by Greg Smith MP, the Shadow Attorney-General.  Both MPs supported FamilyVoice Australia on this issue.  They said they had strongly objected to the passing of the Miscellaneous Acts Amendment (Same Sex Relationships) Bill 2008 and the way in which it was introduced and cleared, late at night, without any Committee reviews.
Other members of Parliament were represented by members of their staff, as many politicians were away during the winter recess. 

Those represented included Michael Gallagher MLC, Christopher Hartcher MP, Michael Richardson MP, Hon Matthew Mason-Cox MLC, Hon Marie Ficarra MLC, Rev Hon Dr Gordon Moyes MLC and Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC.  Premier Iemma and Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell "had been personally invited, but apparently chose not to be there or send a representative."  Both had voted for the same-sex relationships bill.

FamilyVoice gave each MP a covering letter which concluded: “It is generally very hard to repeal bad laws once they have been passed – but it has happened.  It is our prayer that MPs’ eyes will be opened to see the potentially devastating effects on children of legislation such as this.”

For further information:

Dr David Phillips
National President
FamilyVoice Australia (formerly Festival of Light Australia)

GPO Box 9894, SYDNEY  NSW  2001
Phone: 1300 365 965; 0439 500 886
Email:   office@fol.org.au   Website:   www.fol.org.au 
A Christian voice  for family, faith and freedom
photos available: http://community.webshots.com/user/ramon_williams