Family First Twitter Comments Homophobic, says Equal Love Canberra.

In a post to social networking site Twitter, Family First candidate Wendy Francis compared same-sex marriage to legalising child abuse. When interviewed about this, she then went even further to compare the children of LGBTI parents to the stolen generation. She also described equal marriage rights as a 'social experiment'.

Equal Love Canberra condemns Francis' comments.

"This is very insulting to the stolen generation. It really trivialises their suffering," commented Equal Love Canberra activist Farida Iqbal. "It is appalling that Wendy Francis wants to play off one oppressed minority group against another."

“Her views are outdated, homophobic, and are not backed by factual evidence.”

"The ban on same-sex marriage enforces the belief that LGBTI people are second class citizens. It legitimises prejudice. It makes it extremely difficult for people trying to come to terms with their sexuality. This entrenched homophobia is what causes many parents to hate their queer-identifying children. Imagine being kicked out of home after coming out to your family. Imagine having to fend for yourself on the street at thirteen years old. No wonder lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex youth have such a high suicide rate."

"Equal marriage rights are not a 'social experimentation'. They are normal in many traditional societies all over the world. There is no credible scientific evidence whatsoever that they are damaging to children or to society. This is recognised by the American Anthropological Association."

Equal Love Canberra is organising a demonstration for the right of LGBTI people to marry on the 14th of August, 1pm, Petrie Plaza.

Media Contacts: Farida Iqbal:  0412 109 160