Couple to divorce if gay marriage legalised

#1087 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 14 June 2015

Is it a shameless stunt, or the sincere expression of conscience offended by the prospect of a change to the legal definition of marriage?

Canberra couple Nick and Sarah Jensen have vowed to divorce if same sex marriage is legalised in Australia. Mr Jensen said his marriage involved a legal contract, and “if the government decides to change the terms of the contract … that is something that we can no longer agree with and therefore participate in.”

I respect the couple’s conscientious approach to marriage, but a change to the legal definition of marriage in no way changes the nature or value of existing marriages.

And it will be impossible for the couple to divorce unless they live separately for at least 12 months, which would disadvantage their children and make them look like hypocrites.

What they should instead do is continue modelling a healthy, loving marriage based on Christian principles. No one could call that a stunt.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.