LGBTQI+ group protest outside controversial Australian Christian Lobby event – ABC News
A group of protestors say the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has been promoting gay conversion therapy during a controversial speaking tour of Western Australia.
Key points:
- Protesters gathered at Bunbury Regional Entertainment centre
- They were opposing an event held by the Australian Christian Lobby
- The same event has caused controversy in Albany and Perth
More than 30 LGBTQ+ people and supporters gathered outside of the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, in the south west of WA, to protest against the sold-out event.
The Truth of It tour has been visiting cities and towns across the country and promised to share biblical truth that can be applied to current issues of the day.
Earlier this year, the Perth Theatre Trust denied an application from the ACL to hold events at the Albany Entertainment Centre and Perth Concert Hall.
It later backflipped on the decision and allowed the events to go ahead.
Cassandra Hymers is the co-chair of local LGBTQ+ organisation Out South West and identifies as a trans-woman, lesbian, and Christian.
She said she was protesting against a group that has constantly run campaigns against the LGBTQ+ community.
“They live in such a world that they’re so immersed and indoctrinated, they have to be right.
“Because if they’re not, if there’s one thing wrong with their beliefs, their entire world will collapse around them.”
ABC South West WA: Georgia Loney
)ACL agrees with no coercion
Peter Abetz is the ACL’s WA co-ordinator and said the protesters did not cause any problems and were free to voice their opinions.
“And likewise, I think we should have the right to express our views.”
ABC South West WA: Georgia Loney
)Mr Abetz said gay conversation therapy was “not happening anymore” in WA and ACL agrees that people should never be pressured to change their gender identity or sexual orientation.
“And I think that’s a gross misuse of the English language.”
Ms Hymers said asking people why they wanted to change their identity or sexual orientation was the important question.
“They want to change because they’ve been taught and brought up that everything about them is wrong,” she said.
“It’s actually very, very beautiful what they are.
“If the church actually started to align with the LGBT community and start helping us, they’d probably see that less people want to convert and would actually be happy, productive LGBT church members.”
Booking challenge for entertainment centre
While the Perth Theatre Trust initially rejected the ACL’s request to hire its venues, the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre (BREC) accepted the booking.
BREC executive director Fiona de Garis said the organisation had to uphold legal obligations and ideals of freedom of expression.
“We continue to explore future implementation of policies that will allow us as an organisation to uphold our values and those of the community without causing harm to others — a challenge we accept willingly.”