Prior to the States of Guernsey vote on same-sex marriage in December, and in response to publication of a letter signed by a minority of local religious leaders who stand against same sex marriage, Channel Islands equality charity Liberate is encouraging islanders to get in touch with Deputies and share their views on equality.
Liberate Chair Pippa McCathie said:
“As the Acting Chair of Liberate, I would like to respond to the report in yesterday’s Press of a letter to Deputies from various Pastors and Ministers, urging the Deputies to vote against equal marriage. We at Liberate believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion and entitled to express it, although we found the alarmist tone of the letter a little disappointing.
It is hard to think why they should feel the status of marriage will in any way be ‘diluted’ if it is ‘solely about love’ as surely this is what marriage is all about – a loving commitment between two consenting adults.
Since we set up Liberate to campaign for equality and support for the LGBTQ community and their families, we have had close communication with many faith groups in Guernsey, particularly through the efforts of our previous Chair, Martin Gavet. All of us in Liberate have been absolutely delighted and truly grateful for the love, support and understanding they have shown us.
It is significant that the signatories to the letter are all from churches who, sadly, have chosen not to have contact with us, in spite of the fact we were more than willing to set up a dialogue with them. This does not mean, however, that we do not entirely understand their stance as their beliefs are, perhaps, based largely on Old Testament teachings.
We, as a charity, would urge a vote in favour of equal marriage; and, given that 80-90% of the population responded in favour to marriage equality in a recent States consultation, we hope that the result of the vote will correspond with the majority of islanders’ clearly expressed wishes.”
