Christians who hold a biblical view of marriage are “bigots” and should be ‘crucified’, according to same-sex marriage supporters who vandalised churches in Australia.
Last week, two churches in Melbourne were daubed with graffiti including a Nazi swastika.
It is the latest in a string of reports of abuse suffered by marriage supporters in the country. In recent weeks, a mother received death threats and a Christian lost her job simply for expressing opposition to the redefinition of marriage.
‘Disturbing and concerning’
Pastor Drew Mellor of Glen Waverley Anglican Church said the graffiti left older parishioners fearing for their safety.
Following the incident, the church released a lengthy statement outlining their belief in a biblical view on marriage – that it is the union of one man and one woman.
And David O’ Brien, Senior Pastor of Waverley Baptist Church (the other church that was vandalised), said the incident was “disturbing and concerning”.
Intolerance
Coalition for Marriage (Australia) said both incidents exposed the intolerant attitude of same-sex marriage supporters.
Speaking for the group, Monica Doumit said: “One thing that this process has revealed is that, despite the rhetoric, ‘Yes’ campaigners do not actually believe in a tolerant society, where people are allowed to ‘live and let live’.
“Rather, they will target those who disagree for abuse, for boycott, or for some other type of punishment.”
Abuse
Mother Cella White received “relentless” abuse online after appearing in an Australian TV advert encouraging people to vote against redefining marriage.
“I knew it was a touchy subject so I was well aware of the backlash to likely come my way by taking part in the ad, but it’s hostile out there.”
But despite the abuse, the mother-of-four said it has not stopped her from voicing her opinion on the issue.
‘It’s OK to vote no’
And an 18-year-old was dismissed for publicly sharing her opposition to same-sex marriage on Facebook, after she changed her profile picture to say “It’s OK to vote no”.
Madeline, who is a Christian, was working as a contractor for Capital Kids’ Parties in Canberra.
Her employer, Madlin Sims, said this was “homophobic” and could not be tolerated.
The country is currently holding a postal vote answering the question: “Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?”