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[[John Warhurst (academic)|John Warhurst]], emeritus professor of political science at the [[Australian National University]] said, "ACL is now established in the top echelon of lobbying groups"<ref name ="Warhurst2">{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/pressure-groups-and-the-lessons-political-leaders-should-learn-20141029-11dfwi.html|title=Pressure groups and the lessons political leaders should learn|first=John|last=Warhurst|date=29 October 2014|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|accessdate=31 October 2014}}</ref> having the, "professional knowledge to run modern election campaigns".<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.theage.com.au/comment/religion-will-play-a-role-in-2016-federal-election-20160510-gos5da.html |title=Religion will play a role in 2016 federal election |author=Warhurst, John|date=11 May 2016|work=The Age|accessdate=12 May 2016}}</ref> He said ACL, "will not go away".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=42235 |title=The Australian Christian Lobby will not go away |author=|date=3 November 2014|work=[[Eureka Street (magazine)|Eureka Street]]|accessdate=13 August 2015}}</ref> Warhurst has described ACL as an evangelical lobby group, more politically influential than the Christian political party [[Family First Party|Family First]].<ref name="Warhurst">{{cite journal|last=Warhurst|first=John|year=2006|title=Religion in 21 st Century Australian National Politics|journal=Papers on Parliament|publisher=Commonwealth of Australia. The Senate|location=Canberra|volume=46|pages=61–80|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/binaries/senate/pubs/pops/pop46/pop46.pdf|accessdate=1 April 2013}}</ref> Professor [[Marion Maddox]], from [[Macquarie University]] has said that ACL has achieved, "remarkable influence with political leaders on both sides."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/who-are-the-australian-christian-lobby-20160218-gmy67y.html |title=Who are the Australian Christian Lobby? |author=Ireland, Judith|date=19 February 2016|work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|accessdate=24 February 2016}}</ref> |
[[John Warhurst (academic)|John Warhurst]], emeritus professor of political science at the [[Australian National University]] said, "ACL is now established in the top echelon of lobbying groups"<ref name ="Warhurst2">{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/pressure-groups-and-the-lessons-political-leaders-should-learn-20141029-11dfwi.html|title=Pressure groups and the lessons political leaders should learn|first=John|last=Warhurst|date=29 October 2014|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|accessdate=31 October 2014}}</ref> having the, "professional knowledge to run modern election campaigns".<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.theage.com.au/comment/religion-will-play-a-role-in-2016-federal-election-20160510-gos5da.html |title=Religion will play a role in 2016 federal election |author=Warhurst, John|date=11 May 2016|work=The Age|accessdate=12 May 2016}}</ref> He said ACL, "will not go away".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=42235 |title=The Australian Christian Lobby will not go away |author=|date=3 November 2014|work=[[Eureka Street (magazine)|Eureka Street]]|accessdate=13 August 2015}}</ref> Warhurst has described ACL as an evangelical lobby group, more politically influential than the Christian political party [[Family First Party|Family First]].<ref name="Warhurst">{{cite journal|last=Warhurst|first=John|year=2006|title=Religion in 21 st Century Australian National Politics|journal=Papers on Parliament|publisher=Commonwealth of Australia. The Senate|location=Canberra|volume=46|pages=61–80|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/binaries/senate/pubs/pops/pop46/pop46.pdf|accessdate=1 April 2013}}</ref> Professor [[Marion Maddox]], from [[Macquarie University]] has said that ACL has achieved, "remarkable influence with political leaders on both sides."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/who-are-the-australian-christian-lobby-20160218-gmy67y.html |title=Who are the Australian Christian Lobby? |author=Ireland, Judith|date=19 February 2016|work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|accessdate=24 February 2016}}</ref> |
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==Views and lobbying efforts== |
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According to the ACL's website, "The vision of the Australian Christian Lobby is to see Christian principles and ethics accepted and influencing the way we are governed, do business and relate to each other as a community. The ACL aims to foster a more compassionate, just and moral society by seeking to have the positive public contributions of the Christian faith reflected in the political life of the nation."<ref name=about/> The ABC has described the ACL as "a conservative Christian lobby group providing Biblical solutions for social issues".<ref name="ABC Social Issues">{{Citation|title=ABC Compass Social Issues|publisher=ABC|year=2000|url=http://www.abc.net.au/compass/explore/sociss.htm|accessdate=1 October 2012}}</ref> |
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The ACL has been described by writer Chrys Stevenson as "extremist Christians" and "dominionists",<ref name="Dominionist"/> distinctions which the ACL deny and have countered.<ref name="Conspiracy"/><ref name="Blind Faith"/> Senior Lecturer at the [[University of Queensland]], Dr John Harrison, also described the organisation as being influenced by a [[Dominion Theology|dominionist]] and [[Christian Reconstructionism|reconstructionist]] theology.<ref name="bfi">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2016/07/02/the-australian-christian-lobbys-bid-influence/14673816003440 |title=The Australian Christian Lobby's bid for influence |author=Martin McKenzie-Murray |accessdate=9 September 2016 |date=2 July 2016 |newspaper=The Saturday Paper |publisher=Schwartz Media }}</ref> |
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The ACL promotes its socially conservative objectives through lobbying and public outreach. The organisation seeks to influence public policy in Australia on a range of social issues. Prior to the Australian 2007 federal election, the ACL hosted a "Make it Count" event with the Prime Minister, [[John Howard]], and Opposition Leader, Kevin Rudd, speaking in turn about their positions on a range of issues affecting Christians,<ref name="RuddCount"/> and again on 21 June 2010, with Australian Prime Minister [[Kevin Rudd]] and Opposition Leader [[Tony Abbott]]. Christian leaders of 20 denominations attended the events.<ref name="MakeItCount"/> Days later, when Julia Gillard became the [[Gillard Government|Australian Prime Minister]], she was asked the same set of questions.<ref name="GillardCount1"/> Gillard has met with church leaders, on at least one occasion, in meetings organised by the ACL.<ref name="ACLPrimeMinisters">{{Citation|title=Julia Gillard reaches out to Christian leaders|publisher=The Australian|author=Dennis Shanahan|date=5 April 2011|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/julia-gillard-reaches-out-to-christian-leaders/story-fn59niix-1226033650529|accessdate=18 November 2011}}</ref><ref name="GillardCount2"/> |
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Prior to state government elections, the ACL also hosts "Make it Count" events giving the major party leaders an opportunity to provide information on their vision for the state and how they propose to engage with the Christian constituency. Church leaders and others in the audience can also ask questions. State-based "Make it Count" events have been held in NSW,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-state-election-2015/mike-bairds-emotional-public-moment-during-election-policy-forum-20150303-13u958.html |title=Mike Baird's emotional public moment during election policy forum |author=Nicholls, Sean|date=4 March 2015|work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|accessdate=4 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="MICNSW"/> Victoria,<ref name="MICVic"/> Queensland,<ref name="MICQld"/> Western Australia,<ref>{{cite news|title=Leaders quizzed by church leaders on gay marriage, euthanasia and same-sex marriage|date=27 February 2013 |url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/leaders-quizzed-by-church-leaders-on-gay-marriage-euthanasia-and-same-sex-marriage/story-e6frg13u-1226586776315|work=Perth Now|accessdate=30 March 2013}}</ref><ref name="MICWA"/> Tasmania,<ref name="MICTas"/> Northern Territory<ref name="MICNT"/> and the Australian Capital Territory.<ref name="MICACT"/> These events are often webcast to a wider audience. For both federal and state elections, the ACL holds "Meet Your Candidate" forums, primarily in marginal seats, to give voters an opportunity to meet and question the people who are seeking their vote.<ref name="MYCFQld"/> |
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===Abortion=== |
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The ACL opposes [[abortion in Australia]]<ref name="Abortion2"/> and has lobbied for the repeal of legislation that permits abortion on demand. ACL has responded to proposals to establish buffer zones around abortion clinics in Victoria<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/sex-party-calls-for-buffer-zones-around-abortion-clinics-20150819-gj32fk.html |title=Sex Party calls for buffer zones around abortion clinics|author=Preiss, Benjamin|date=19 August 2015|work=[[The Age]]|accessdate=20 August 2015}}</ref> and in Tasmania saying they limit the freedom to protest.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2013/s3896807.htm |title=Protests banned outside Tas abortion clinics |author=Ogilvie, Felicity|date=22 November 2013|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|accessdate=20 August 2015}}</ref> |
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===Censorship=== |
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The ACL lobbied against efforts to introduce an R18+ classification for video games.<ref name="care"/> They wanted the video game ''[[Sniper Elite V2]]'' banned in Australia, describing the game as "sick".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/technology/christian-lobby-wants-hitler-sniper-game-banned/story-e6frfro0-1226342119272|title=Christian lobby wants Hitler sniper game banned|date=30 April 2012|publisher=news.com|accessdate=3 May 2012}}</ref> |
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The video gaming community is critical of the ACL's stance against R18+ video games.<ref name="Jedi">{{cite web|url=http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/08/australian-census-a-vote-for-jedi-is-a-vote-for-jim-wallace|title= Australian Census: A Vote For Jedi Is A Vote For Jim Wallace|author=Allen, Danny|date=9 August 2011|work=[[Gizmodo]]|accessdate=14 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/australian-christian-lobby-i-disown-thee|title=Australian Christian Lobby ... I disown thee|author=Ray, Jeremy|date=9 December 2010 |work=[[The Punch (Australia)|The Punch]]|accessdate=12 March 2012}}</ref> A commentator stated that the fact the [[Catholic Church]] was in favour of introducing R18+ video games and the ACL was not proved "once and for all" that the ACL do not represent all people of Christian faith.<ref name="catholic"/> According to ACL, violence in video games leads to antisocial behaviour.<ref name=R18>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/7/12/technology/why-r18-ratings-are-still-losing-game|title=Why R18+ ratings are still a losing game|author=Polites, Harrison|date=12 July 2013|work=Business Spectator|accessdate=21 February 2014}}</ref> The government announced in June 2012 that an R18+ category for video games would be introduced on 1 January 2013, "bringing Australia into line with the rest of the world".<ref name=cauchi>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/games/call-for-strict-line-on-r18-games-20120623-20uxx.html|title=Call for strict line on R18+ games|author=Cauchi, Stephen|date=24 June 2012|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|accessdate=17 August 2012}}</ref> The ACL subsequently lobbied for the new R18+ classification to allow no more sex and violence than the MA15+ classification,<ref name=cauchi/> though they were unsuccessful.<ref name=R18/> |
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The ACL was one of the primary supporters of Senator [[Stephen Conroy]]'s proposed mandatory [[Internet censorship in Australia|Internet blacklist]].<ref name="Blacklist"/> The ACL sought to extend the blacklist to filter all pornographic materials and not just materials which are considered inappropriate for children (the original reason for the blacklist's creation). An Australian citizen who wanted to download pornographic material via the internet would then have had to request that their internet service provider unblock the filter.<ref name="Filter"/> One day prior to the government announcement of a delay to the implementation of the internet filter scheme, the ACL was briefed leading to some criticism of their "disproportionate influence" on the filtering policy.<ref name="Filter2"/> In November 2012, after years of debate, the federal government formally abandoned its attempts to introduce the internet filter, a move that disappointed the ACL.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/opposition-welcomes-dumping-of-labors-internet-filter-scheme-20121109-2937g.html|title=Opposition welcomes dumping of Labor's internet filter scheme|author=Coorey, Phillip|date=10 November 2012|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|accessdate=16 November 2012}}</ref> |
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===Euthanasia=== |
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The ACL lobbies against moves to legalise [[Euthanasia in Australia|euthanasia]] by various territory, state and federal jurisdictions.<ref name="Euthanasia">{{Citation|author-link=ACL submission|publisher=APH|title=Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee's Inquiry into the Rights of the Terminally Ill (Euthanasia Laws Repeal) Bill 2008|date=March 2009|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/legcon_ctte/terminally_ill/submissions/sub422.pdf|accessdate=23 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Euthanasia laws spark debate|author=Smith, Matt|date=13 March 2013|url=http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2013/03/13/374452_todays-news.html|work=[[The Mercury (Hobart)|The Mercury]] |accessdate=31 March 2013}}</ref><ref name="Euthanasia2">{{Citation|last=Mounster|first=Bruce|publisher=The Mercury|title=Nitschke visit stirs debate|date=17 February 2012|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120804102732/http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/02/17/301801_tasmania-news.html|accessdate=17 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/andrew-denton-tells-church-to-get-out-of-euthanasia-debate/news-story/79d96ef36771d7591fa850304b600966 |title=Andrew Denton tells church to get out of euthanasia debate |author=Kelly, Joe|date=11 August 2016|work=[[The Australian]]|accessdate=17 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/11/17/euthanasia-bill-fails-sa-one-vote |title=Euthanasia bill fails in SA by one vote |author=|date=17 November 2016|work=[[Special Broadcasting Service|SBS]]|accessdate=17 November 2016}}</ref> |
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===Family=== |
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In September 2011, during Child Protection Week, the ACL released a report, ''For Kids' Sake'', in response to increasing levels of abuse, neglect and self-harm related to children, for which the ACL state sliding marriage rates are partly to blame.<ref name="For_kids_sake"/> |
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===Freedom of speech=== |
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ACL asked that the ACT government's proposed religious vilification bill be shelved or abandoned, claiming the legislation will undermine freedom of speech and lead to drawn out legal battles.<ref name="Vilification">{{Citation|title=Christian lobby takes govt to task|publisher=The Canberra Times|author=Lisa Cox|date=22 August 2012|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/christian-lobby-takes-govt-to-task-20120821-24l0i.html|accessdate=1 October 2012}}</ref> |
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In October 2014, ACL held a conference at the [[Hyatt Hotel Canberra]]. In response to a campaign of negative online feedback and reviews, the Hyatt issued a statement that they support "equality for lesbian, gay and transgender staff and guests" and "don't discriminate against guests who want to conduct lawful business at Hyatt hotels" on the basis of their political stance.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/hyatt-hotel-defends-booking-for-australian-christian-lobbys-antigay-marriage-conference-20141021-1196rn.html|title=Hyatt Hotel defends booking for Australian Christian Lobby's anti-gay marriage conference |date=21 October 2014|work=Canberra Times}}</ref><ref name ="Warhurst2"/> |
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In March 2015, TV stations SBS, Channels 7 and 9 refused to run anti same-sex marriage TV ads which said, "wherever possible" children need a mother and a father. ACL said that freedom of speech was being censored.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/backlash-after-antimarriage-equality-ad-debuts-on-mardi-gras-night-20150308-13y8yi.html |title= Backlash after anti-marriage equality ad debuts on Mardi Gras night |author=Whitbourn, Michaela|date=8 March 2015|work=Sydney Morning Herald|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref> The [[Australian Human Rights Commission]]er at the time [[Tim Wilson (Australian politician)|Tim Wilson]] said the ads should have been run.<ref name = "Wilson1">{{cite news|url =http://www.smh.com.au/comment/australian-marriage-forum-ad-might-be-distasteful-but-it-should-have-been-screened-20150310-140q3w.html |title= Australian Marriage Forum ad might be distasteful but it should have been screened |author=[[Tim Wilson (Australian politician)|Tim Wilson]]|date=12 March 2015|work=Sydney Morning Herald|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref> In August 2015 TV Channels 7 & 10 and Foxtel refused to run paid anti-same-sex-marriage advertisements.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/seven-and-ten-reject-anti-samesex-marriage-advertisement-20150807-giu2f0.html |title=Seven and Ten reject anti same-sex marriage advertisement |author=Lallo, Michael|date=7 August 2015|work=Sydney Morning Herald|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref> [[Paul Barry]] raised on the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] ''[[Media Watch (TV program)|Media Watch]]'' program the "skewed" media coverage and said, "surely both sides of the debate have an equal right to be heard".<ref name = "Media Watch">{{cite web| url=http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s4295137.htm |title=Media equality on marriage equality? |author=|date=17 August 2015|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref> ACL objected that the bans were a restriction of free speech.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.biblesociety.org.au/news/new-ads-asking-for-more-debate-on-same-sex-marriage-pulled-from-channel-7-and-channel-10 |title=New ads asking for more debate on same sex marriage pulled from Channel 7 and Channel 10 |author=Payne, Kaley|date=7 August 2015|work=[[Bible Society Australia]]|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.christian.org.uk/news/tv-stations-refuse-to-run-advert-against-gay-marriage/ |title=TV stations refuse to run advert against gay marriage |date=14 August 2015|work=[[Christian Institute]]|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref> |
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Ryan T Anderson, is a [[Heritage Foundation]]<ref>http://www.heritage.org/about/staff/a/ryan-anderson</ref> and [[Witherspoon Institute]] speaker and has co-authored a book ''[[What Is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense]]''. ACL was one of the sponsors of his August 2015, speaking tour.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://pedestrian.tv/news/arts-and-culture/a-melbourne-uni-to-host-anti-same-sex-marriage-eve/3571df86-1369-47cb-b58f-68b4359d5334.htm |title=A Melbourne Uni to host anti-same-sex marriage event 'the cost of equality'}}</ref> The [[students' union]] at the [[Australian Catholic University]] objected to a publicly funded institution hosting the event.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pedestrian.tv/news/arts-and-culture/acu-and-lgbt-society-respond-to-criticism-of-cost-/c91369de-0213-4a09-a9ab-a313212540c7.htm |title=ACU and LGBT+ Society respond to criticism of 'cost of equality' event tonight }}</ref> |
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The ACL, citing the example of the Catholic Archbishop of Hobart, Julian Porteous, being required to answer to an Anti-Discrimination Commission after distributing booklets supporting "traditional" marriage,<ref>{{cite news|url= http://catholicleader.com.au/news/bishops-given-21-days-to-defend-pastoral-letter-on-marriage |title=Hobart archbishop’s defence moves same-sex marriage advocate |date=17 November 2015|work=[[The Catholic Leader]]| accessdate=23 October 2016}}</ref> said those laws will have to change to allow people to freely express opposition to same-sex marriage in any future plebiscite. Those advocating for same-sex marriage say it is an unreasonable request.<ref name ="porteous">{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-16/same-sex-plebiscite-christian-group-anti-discrimination-override/7172988 |title= Same-sex marriage plebiscite: Christian lobby group wants 'override' of anti-discrimination laws during campaign|author=Taylor, David|date=16 February 2016|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|accessdate=16 February 2016}}</ref> |
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In September 2016, a meeting in a Sydney hotel, planned by ACL and other groups to discuss same-sex marriage issues, had to be cancelled due to "threats of violence" to staff and guests. The 100 participants subsequently met at another venue.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.skynews.com.au/news/national/national/2016/09/17/christian--no--campaign-event-forced-to-fold.html |title=Christian 'no' campaign event forced to fold |date=17 September 2016|work=[[Sky News]]|accessdate=23 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/samesex-marriage-event-off-threats-to-hotel-staff/news-story/d45bd0f9e9a774fc3e3d0741f176da13 |title=Same-sex marriage event off: threats to hotel staff |author=Crowe, David|date=17 September 2016|work=[[The Australian]]|accessdate=23 October 2016}}</ref> |
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===Gambling=== |
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ACL Chief of Staff [[Lyle Shelton (Australian lobbyist)|Lyle Shelton]] has stated that [[slot machine|poker machines]] are "causing incredible hardship to children and to families right across this nation and needs to be tackled".<ref name="GamblingHarms"/> In an effort to minimise harm associated with poker machines, the ACL has supported a trial for mandatory pre-commitment scheme.<ref name="Gambling"/> The ACL has worked with [[GetUp!]], the [[Salvation Army]] and the Churches Gambling Taskforce to establish the Stop The Loss Coalition which has launched TV and radio commercials designed to assist in, "say(ing) 'no more' to the $12 billion pokies industry and the dreadful harm they inflict on hundreds of thousand of Australians".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/wilkie-threat-to-vote-against-weak-pokie-reform-bill-20120229-1u1u4.html|title=Wilkie threat to vote against 'weak' pokie reform bill|author=Richard Willingham|date=29 February 2012|publisher=SMH|accessdate=1 March 2012}}</ref> |
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===Halal certification=== |
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ACL has concerns regarding in Australia, which include the inadequacy of current halal labeling, the number of halal certifiers, workplace discrimination, animal cruelty and the lack of transparency. ACL has made a submission to the ''[[Australian Senate|Senate]] Standing Committees on Economics, Third party certification of food'', recommending remedial actions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Economics/Food_Cert_Schemes/Submissions |title=Submission to the Senate Economic References Committee on the Inquiry into Third Party Certification of Food: Submission No. 1395 |date=July 2015 |work=Senate Standing Committees on Economics, Third party certification of food|accessdate=1 October 2015}}</ref> |
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===Outdoor advertising=== |
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ACL has lobbied for all outdoor advertising to be G rated.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.acl.org.au/2013/04/wendy-francis-on-the-political-spot-about-queensland-investigating-g-rated-outdoor-adveritsing|title=Wendy Francis on the Political Spot about Qld investigating G-Rated outdoor advertising|deadurl=no|accessdate=1 July 2013}}</ref> In May 2011 the advertising agency Adshel pulled a series of billboards from circulation in Brisbane following what has been described as a coordinated campaign from the ACL.<ref name="Backtrack"/> The advertisements, which were encouraging [[safe sex]], featured a fully clothed, hugging gay couple holding an unopened condom packet. Under a second unopened condom packet, was the name of the advertisement campaign, "Rip & Roll".<ref name=ninety>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/national-news/australias-most-complained-about-ad-rip-roll-safe-sex-camapaign-returns/story-fndo4eg9-1226448615708|title=Australia's most complained about ad Rip & Roll safe sex campaign returns|date=12 August 2012|work=News Ltd|publisher= |accessdate=3 May 2013}}</ref> The billboards were removed after receiving around 30 complaints. The billboards were reinstated following counter-protests of their removal and revelations that the ACL was responsible for the campaign. When the ACL was accused of [[homophobia]], an ACL representative publicly stated their complaints had nothing to do with homosexuality and that they opposed "the sexual nature of the ads". However, several of the individual complaints to Adshel suggested the ads would "encourage homosexuality".<ref name="news"/> Following the controversy, the Queensland ACL branch director, [[Wendy Francis]], said that she was subject to a barrage of abusive and pornographic emails and mobile phone calls.<ref name="Abusive"/> Both major political parties voiced support for the ads. State treasurer [[Andrew Fraser (Queensland politician)|Andrew Fraser]] said complaints about the ad were homophobic<ref name="star"/> and Healthy Communities executive director Paul Martin accused the ACL of trying to have gay people "erased from the public sphere".<ref name="herald"/> More than 90,000 people joined a Facebook group supporting the ads following the ACL's actions.<ref name=ninety/> The ACL's actions backfired further with several advertising agencies deciding to run the ads free of charge.<ref name="Backfire"/> |
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In January 2014 the bipartisan Inquiry into Sexually Explicit Outdoor Advertising recommended an industry body be set up to sanction advertisers, with the [[Jarrod Bleijie|Queensland Attorney-General]] having the power to '‘pre-vet'’ outdoor ads.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/new-laws-may-crack-down-on-sexually-explicit-billboards/story-fnihsrf2-1226815309185|title=New laws may crack down on sexually explicit billboards|author=Robyn Ironside|date=1 February 2014|publisher=[[The Courier Mail]]|accessdate=1 February 2014}}</ref> The chairman of the inquiry referred to controls needed in response to, '‘rogue companies that do not act in the best interest of their communities'’.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/attorneygeneral-could-vet-billboards-20140131-31rz1.html|title=Attorney-General could vet billboards|date=31 January 2013|publisher=[[Brisbane Times]]|accessdate=31 January 2014}}</ref> |
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ACL campaigned against a Sydney billboard which displayed a man simulating sex with a pig. The billboard was removed by its owners who apologised for any offence.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/appalling-taste-foxtel-to-remove-bestiality-billboard-20130501-2is89.html|title='Appalling taste': Foxtel to remove bestiality billboard|author=Lallo, Michael|date=1 May 2013|work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|accessdate=3 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/sa/latest/a/-/article/16963398/bestiality-billboard-pulled-after-outrage/|title=Bestiality billboard pulled after outrage|date=1 May 2013|work=Yahoo|accessdate=3 May 2013}}</ref> Thousands of copies of associated newspaper supplements were also pulped, reported as a significant cost to the advertiser.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/the-age-pulps-mag-over-offensive-foxtel-bestiality-ad/story-e6frg996-1226634605822|title=The Age and SMH forced to pulp supplements over Foxtel ad|author=Leys, Nick|date=3 May 2013|work=[[The Australian]] |accessdate=3 May 2013}}</ref> |
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ACL campaigned against a company which hires campervans with its latest campervans displaying misogynistic and sexist slogans.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news|url=http://www.4bc.com.au/radio/slogans-faces-public-backlash-20140713-3bvqq |title=Slogans faces public backlash |date=14 July 2014|work=[[4BC]]|accessdate=19 August 2015}}</ref> |
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===Poverty and justice=== |
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ACL has worked with [[Micah Challenge]] to reduce third world poverty and to achieve the [[Millennium Development Goals]] on halving global poverty by 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-08-09/tony-jones-talks-to-jim-wallace-from-the/636484|title=Tony Jones talks to Jim Wallace from the Australian Christian Lobby|publisher=ABC|date=10 August 2007}}</ref> In May 2012, Wallce said: "That we have both major parties abandoning their commitment to the world's poorest is a sad commentary on the level of both integrity and compassion in a Parliament Australians are increasingly losing confidence in."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/business/federal-budget/coalition-wont-keep-aid-commitment-20120510-1yfni.html|title=Coalition won't keep aid commitment|author=Bianca Hall|date=11 May 2012|publisher=SMH|accessdate=18 May 2012}}</ref> |
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The ACL has called on the federal government to pressure [[Egypt]] to protect religious minorities such as the [[Copts]].<ref name="EgyptCopts">{{Citation|title=Australia must pressure Egyptian Government to protect Christians, ACL says|publisher=Australian Conservative|date=18 August 2011|url=http://australianconservative.com/2011/05/australia-must-pressure-egyptian-government-to-protect-christians-acl-says|accessdate=18 November 2011}}</ref> In response to humanitarian needs arising from conflicts in the Middle East, in 2014 ACL and others lobbied for asylum for Iraqi Christians.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.christiantoday.com.au/article/australia.offers.asylum.to.iraqi.christians.yazidis.fleeing.is.horror/17800.htm |title=Australia offers asylum to Iraqi Christians, Yazidis fleeing IS horror |author=Walker, Reuben|date=14 August 2014|work=Christian Today|accessdate=13 August 2015}}</ref> In 2015 ACL asked the government to offer temporary asylum for people displaced by the war in Syria.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/time-for-australian-airstrikes-on-is-in-syria-says-lib-mp-dan-tehan/story-fn59niix-1227481454418 |title=Time for Australian airstrikes on IS in Syria says Lib MP Dan Tehan |author=Owens, Jared|date=13 August 2015|work=[[The Australian]]|accessdate=13 August 2015}}</ref> |
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The ACL and churches have said they support the Australian government's expanded refugee program, which includes more Christians, from the Middle East. Shelton said, "The ACL has long advocated for the Australian government to give priority to persecuted religious minorities", so this move is "encouraging".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/immigration/christian-churches-welcome-focus-on-taking-in-refugee-minorities/story-fn9hm1gu-1227620216975 |title=Christian churches welcome focus on taking in refugee minorities |first1= Dennis|last1=Shanahan |first2=Sarah |last2=Martin|date=24 November 2015|work=[[The Australian]]|accessdate=25 November 2015}}</ref> |
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ACL has taken up the cause of [[Asia Bibi]], a Christian mother who has been on [[death row]] in [[Pakistan]] for six years.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sightmagazine.com.au/news/6550-prayer-urged-ahead-of-supreme-court-appeal-for-pakistani-christian-mother-asia-bibi-who-faces-a-death-sentence-for-blasphemy |title=Prayer urged ahead of Supreme Court appeal for Pakistani Christian mother Asia Bibi who faces a death sentence for blasphemy |author=Adams, David|date=13 October 2016|work=Sight Magazine|accessdate=1 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/rendezview/the-lefts-bigotry-and-hypocrisy-toward-catholics-and-christians-is-alive-and-well/news-story/284e003986921189e24ea1fb19e41e04 |title=The Left’s bigotry and hypocrisy toward Catholics and Christians is alive and well |author=Devine, Miranda |date=16 October 2016|work=[[Daily Telegraph]]|accessdate=1 November 2016}}</ref> |
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===Prostitution=== |
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The ACL lobbies against prostitution.<ref name="ACTProstitution">{{Citation |url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/sex-in-the-act-part-ii/2418733.aspx|title=Sex in the ACT: Part II|author=Bianca Hall|date=13 January 2012|publisher= Canberra Times|accessdate=19 January 2012}}</ref> ACL's concerns regarding current arrangements were outlined in a submission to the ''ACT Legislative Assembly – Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/downloads/reports/JACS09%20Prostitution%20Act.pdf |title=Inquiry into the Prostitution Act 1992 |publisher=ACT Legislative Assembly–Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety |date=February 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425174319/http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/downloads/reports/JACS09%20Prostitution%20Act.pdf |archivedate=25 April 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> In 2014, ACL's Queensland Director, [[Wendy Francis]], was part of a joint parliamentary, fact-finding delegation to examine the [[Prostitution in Sweden#Current legal status|Swedish model of prostitution law]], with a view to consider its possible adaptation for Australia.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2014/05/investigating-prostitution.html|title=Investigating prostitution|author=Austin, Steve|date=8 May 2014|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC]] |accessdate=9 May 2014}}</ref> |
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===Same-sex marriage=== |
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The Australian Christian lobby supports the retention of the current definition of marriage<ref name = "ACL position on marriage">{{cite web|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Legal_and_Constitutional_Affairs/Completed%20inquiries/2008-10/same_sex_entitlements/report/c03 |title=Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Inquiry: Same sex entitlements, Chapter 3}}</ref> contained within the [[Marriage Act 1961 (Australia)|Marriage Act (1961)]], as amended in 2004 by the Howard Government, which reads, "marriage means the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life."<ref name = "MarriageAct">{{cite web|url=http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2004A01361|title=Marriage Amendment Act 2004|work=comlaw.gov.au}}</ref> There have been several bills before the Australian Federal government, including the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2012 and the Marriage Amendment Bill 2012, proposing changes to the definition of marriage to include same sex marriages, which the ACL opposes and has lobbied against. |
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In August 2015, ACL said after, "years of relentless media and celebrity championing", same-sex marriage is a still a low priority for voters with it being ranked in two recent polls as 13th and 15th in priority.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.christianexaminer.com/article/courage.australian.prime.minister.resists.push.on.gay.marriage/49359.htm |title=Courage: Australian prime minister says those resisting gay marriage not 'bigots or homophobes' |author=Tomlin, Gregory |date=12 August 2015|work=[[Christian Examiner (California)]]|accessdate=17 November 2016}}</ref> In November 2016, following the federal parliament's rejection of a people's plebiscite on same-sex marriage, the ACL said that this will give more time for people to consider the consequences of any change to Australian marriage law.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.premier.org.uk/News/World/Australian-Christian-Lobby-welcomes-gay-marriage-delay |title= Australian Christian Lobby welcomes gay marriage delay|author=James, Aaron|date=8 November 2016|work=[[Premier Christian Radio|Premier]]|accessdate=17 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/gay-marriage/parties-argue-over-marriage-equality-following-labors-refusal-to-back-plebiscite/news-story/81d31b378b874f3ecd20bdf179bd3851 |title=Parties argue over marriage equality following Labor's refusal to back plebiscite |author=Brook, Benedict|date=12 October 2016|work=[[News Ltd]]|accessdate=17 November 2016}}</ref> |
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===Sexuality=== |
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ACL actively opposes various political moves to recognise specific [[LGBT rights in Australia]], particularly those regarding [[same-sex marriage]], [[LGBT parenting]] and adoption, and have campaigned for the rights of church-owned schools to be able to legally discriminate on the basis of [[sexual orientation]].<ref name="Expel Gays Nicely"/> |
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Former Attorney-General [[Robert McClelland (Australian politician)|Robert McClelland]] has said those protesting against ACL would not have recognised that the ACL had supported amendments to 84 pieces of Commonwealth legislation that removed discrimination against same-sex couples.<ref name="brisbanetimes0">{{Citation|title=Nasty debate 'un-Australian': McClelland|url=http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-national/nasty-debate-unaustralian-mcclelland-20121006-2762s.html|date=6 October 2012|publisher=Brisbane Times|accessdate=23 October 2016}}</ref> |
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Some Christian leaders have stated the ACL's campaigning against gay rights does not represent the stance of all Christians, and several Christian Churches have stated they are frustrated and concerned about the ACL's actions on the issue.<ref name=study>{{cite web|url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/christian-lobby-analysis-reveals-strong-gay-focus-20120608-2017g.html|title=Christian Lobby analysis reveals strong gay focus|date=9 June 2012|work=[[Brisbane Times]]|accessdate=7 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.watoday.com.au/breaking-news-national/pm-shrugs-off-obamas-gay-marriage-support-20120510-1ye1m.html|title=PM shrugs off Obama's gay marriage support|date=10 May 2012|work=[[WAtoday]]|accessdate=6 May 2012}}</ref> |
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In July 2015, the Australian Christian Lobby criticised the ''[[Safe Schools Coalition Australia|Safe Schools]]'' program<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/ |title= Safe Schools Coalition |work= Safe Schools Coalition Australia |accessdate=19 August 2015}}</ref> as "radical sexual experimentation"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/christian-lobby-groups-claim-radical-sexual-experimentation-is-being-promoted-in-schools/story-fngqim8m-1227456527511 |title=Christian lobby groups claim ‘radical sexual experimentation’ is being promoted in schools |date=25 July 2015|work=News Ltd|accessdate=20 August 2015}}</ref> which "exposed students to extreme material."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/safe-schools-program-ordered-to-stay-silent-on-gay-marriage-20150728-gimdrr.html |title=Safe Schools program ordered to stay silent on gay marriage |author=Cook Herietta|date=28 July 2015|work=[[The Age]]|accessdate=20 August 2015}}</ref> and asked for the withdrawal of $8 million allocated to the Australia-wide program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/acl-says-school-antibullying-program-encouraging-cross-dressing-20150728-gimhz4.html|title=ACL says school anti-bullying program 'encouraging cross dressing'|work=Brisbane Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/christian-lobby-boycotts-gay-student-program-20141218-12a0xf.html|title=Christian lobby boycotts gay student program|work=The Age}}</ref> |
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===Surrogacy and adoption=== |
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In May 2012, a judgement by the NSW Supreme Court ruled that two men are the legal parents of baby born via surrogacy, after the birth mother consented to relinquish her recognition on the birth certificate. Legal experts expected more applications for parentage transfers based on the decision by Justice Paul Brereton.<ref name=Bulletin-060112>{{cite news|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:ZFAD&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=13F267E4C9F898D8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46|title=Christian group condemns two dads couple|date=1 June 2012|agency=Bulletin Wire|accessdate=9 December 2012|location=Australia}}</ref><ref name=Telegraph-060212>{{cite news|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:ATLB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=13F233B9FA5E3AF0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46|title=Two-dads decision opens the floodgate|date=2 June 2012|agency=Daily Telegraph|accessdate=9 December 2012|location=Sydney, Australia}}</ref> The ACL responded to the court decision by calling for governments to repeal laws which allow single people or same-sex couples to "acquire babies" by surrogacy. |
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In another surrogacy case, where an estranged female partner was given precedence over the biological father on a birth certificate, the ACL lobbied the NSW Government to have biological details included on birth certificates, on the grounds that removing these details could be damaging to children and their biological parents.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/b2cfb07913cc7febca2579a500102ccd/$FILE/submission%2026.pdf|title=Inquiry into inclusion of donor details on the register of births|date=17 February 2012|publisher= NSW Parliament |accessdate=1 March 2012}}</ref> |
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In a third case, the birth mother expressed profound regret at having entered into a surrogacy arrangement.<ref>{{Citation|title=Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2012 and the Marriage Amendment Bill 2012–Submission 21, page 13|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=spla/bill%20marriage/responses.htm|publisher=[[Australian Parliament House]]|accessdate=11 December 2012}}</ref> In response, ACL lobbied the Queensland Government. |
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ACL has responded to State Governments seeking input prior to considering proposals for the adoption of children by same-sex couples. In the submissions to, and lobbying of, the governments of NSW,<ref name=socialengineering>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/christian-lobby-group-urges-mps-to-reject-adoption-bill/story-e6frfku0-1225911982342 |title=Christian lobby group urges MPs to reject adoption bill |quote=Heterosexual couples who can provide a more complete family environment are already spending years on NSW waiting lists in the hope of adopting a child, with many missing out |date=30 August 2010|work=News Ltd|accessdate=14 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/b5d1af35b96a45b3ca257567000ddfb4/$FILE/Submission%20185.pdf |title=Inquiry into adoption by same sex couples: Submission 185 |author=Australian Christian Lobby|date=February 2009|work=NSW Parliament |accessdate=14 August 2015}}</ref> Victoria,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/christian-group-asks-victorian-government-for-right-to-discriminate-on-gay-adoption-20150327-1m9mx6.html |title=Christian group asks Victorian government for right to discriminate on gay adoption | quote=To ask for a religious exemption that would give faith-based organisations the right to choose couples in accordance with their ethos. The group has also called for parents whose children are being adopted to have the ability to choose a straight family. |author=Tomazin, Farrah|date=29 March 2015|work=[[The Age]]|accessdate=14 August 2015}}</ref> and Tasmania.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-02/christian-groups-angry-over-same-sex-adoption/3865402 |title=Anger over same sex adoption change | quote=State director Mark Brown says it overlooks the rights of children. |date=2 March 2012|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |accessdate=14 August 2015}}</ref> |
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In November 2015 the [[Victorian Legislative Council| Victorian Upper House]] voted to allow same-sex couples to adopt, with the bill amended to provide exemptions for faith-based adoption agencies. The Victorian director of ACL, praised the MPs who had voted for the amendment.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/conservatives-force-religious-exemptions-into-samesex-adoption-laws-20151112-gkxz46.html |title=Conservatives force religious exemptions into same-sex adoption laws |author=Gordon, Josh|date=13 November 2015|work=[[The Age]] | accessdate=13 November 2015}}</ref> |
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===Youth and education=== |
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ACL has established a leadership program targeting 18 to 26-year-old young people. The Compass program is a joint-initiative between ACL and the Compass Foundation, based in New Zealand. The program includes mentoring and coaching of young Christians aged 15 to 20 years, to assist them into strategic and influential positions in their professions so they can serve Christ and have "a disproportionate impact for the Gospel".<ref name="Compass"/> |
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ACL has provided input into the formulation of the proposed Australian National Curriculum.<ref name="Education1"/> ACL lobbied against proposal to replace the terms Before Christ (BC) and [[Anno Domini]] (AD) with Before the Common Era (BCE) and [[Common Era]] (CE).<ref name="BCAD1"/> The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority later stated they would change the explanatory material to specify the BC and AD should still be taught as well as CE and BCE.<ref name="BCAD2"/> |
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In response to a broadening of Federal school chaplaincy funding, Jim Wallace said that "It's not that schools shouldn't have secular student welfare workers but this should not have come from the pool of money promised to the National School Chaplaincy Program during the 2010 election campaign."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sightmagazine.com.au/stories/lobbyistsview/chaplaincy31.5.12.php|title=The lobbyist's view: Secularising school chaplaincy|author=Jim Wallace|date= 31 May 2012|publisher=Sight Magazine|accessdate=31 May 2012}}</ref> |
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ACL has been critical of a year 8 school program covering ''Respectful Relationships''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.samesame.com.au/news/14577/The-ACL-Furious-Over-Sexually-Degrading-Concepts |title=The ACL furious over "sexually degrading concepts" |author=Leighton-Dore, Samuel|date=31 October 2016|work=[[Samesame.com.au|SameSame]]|accessdate=1 November 2016}}</ref> which includes a video with age-inappropriate sexual content and a large talking penis.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/andrews-faces-christian-lobby-showdown-over-sexual-classroom-videos-20161022-gs8c1k.html |title=Andrews faces Christian Lobby showdown over sexual classroom videos |author=Tomazin, Farrah|date=23 October 2016|work=[[The Age]]|accessdate=23 October 2016}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
Revision as of 07:45, 17 November 2016
File:AustralianChristianLobbyLogo2011a.jpg | |
Founded | 1995 |
---|---|
Registration no. | 40 075 120 517[1] (ABN) |
Location |
|
Area served | Australia |
Key people | Chairman, Jim Wallace AM Managing director, Lyle Shelton Chairman Emeritus, Tony McLellan |
Website | http://www.acl.org.au |
The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) is a political organisation based in Canberra, which works in six different states and territories inside the country. The ACL is politically active in Australia as a Christian lobbying organisation.[2][3][4][5][6]
The ACL is an Australian Public Company, Limited By Guarantee[7] and files political expenditure returns with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).[8] Funding comes mostly from individuals but names are not disclosed by the organisation itself.[9] It has no political affiliation and makes no statements regarding faith.[9] Eternity House, the Deakin ACT headquarters of ACL is registered as a separate not-for-profit entity.[10]
ACL prepares and presents submissions to Federal and State parliaments and their agencies.[11] It publishes magazines such as Viewpoint, which are provided to Australian parliamentarians at no charge.[12] It periodically issues media releases[13] and communicates with supporters via email newsletters.[14] The organisation is involved in a campaign to support the retention of the current definition of marriage.[15] The ACL wants to permanently[16] over-ride anti-discrimination laws in relation to hate speech to assist in its campaign during a possible plebiscite on the issue.[17] It has been labelled as a hate group by its critics.[18]
History
The Australian Christian Coalition (ACC) was founded in 1995 by John Gagliardi, a lay leader of a large Pentecostal church in Brisbane. Gagliardi had held journalistic positions as editor of the Townsville Bulletin and as a presenter for Channel 10 news.[19] Co-founders include John McNicoll, a retired Baptist minister turned lobbyist in Canberra, and John Miller, who worked with a number of community and government organisations and held leadership positions within his independent community-based church.[citation needed]
The organisation changed its name to the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) in March 2001.[1]
A number of senior federal politicians have been guest speakers at ACL national conferences and ACL events, including John Howard (2007),[20] Kevin Rudd (2007),[20] Malcolm Turnbull (2008),[21] Tony Abbott (2010),[22] Julia Gillard (2010),[23] Bill Shorten (2014),[24] and Scott Morrison (2016).[25]
In 2012, Gillard pulled out of a planned appearance at the ACL national conference after Jim Wallace suggested that a homosexual "lifestyle" was more hazardous to health than smoking.[26]
Staff
Year | Name | Period | Time in office |
---|---|---|---|
1995 | John Gagliardi | 1995 – 2000 | 5 years |
2000 | Jim Wallace | 2000 – 2013 | 13 years |
2013 | Lyle Shelton | 2013 – present | Error: Need valid year, month, day |
Jim Wallace was the managing director of ACL from 2000 to 2013.[27][28] Lyle Shelton is ACL's managing director.[29] The company has a self-appointed board of management – board members are invited to join by existing board members.[30] Board members are not elected by members.[31] The organisation's biggest expense is paying staff.
Representativeness and influence
One of the main criticisms of the ACL is that it overstates its representativeness.[31] Professor Rodney Smith of Sydney University suggests the ACL inflates its influence with the electorate to gain access to politicians and the media.[31] A former Chief of Staff and a former Victorian State Director expressed concern that the ACL's policies are created by a small number of company owners, while many people assume that it represents Australian churches or a caucus of members. Then managing director Jim Wallace confirmed that the organisation represents its supporters only but that, for contentious policy decisions, he contacts a group of representative theologians representing a number of denominations.[30]
John Warhurst, emeritus professor of political science at the Australian National University said, "ACL is now established in the top echelon of lobbying groups"[32] having the, "professional knowledge to run modern election campaigns".[33] He said ACL, "will not go away".[34] Warhurst has described ACL as an evangelical lobby group, more politically influential than the Christian political party Family First.[35] Professor Marion Maddox, from Macquarie University has said that ACL has achieved, "remarkable influence with political leaders on both sides."[36]
See also
References
- ^ a b Historical details for ABN: 40 075 120 517, Australian Business Register (historical details), retrieved 14 November 2011
- ^ "Christianity and the LNP". Brisbane Times. 8 February 2012.
- ^ Maddox, Marion (2014). "Right-wing Christian Intervention in a Naïve Polity". Political Theology. 15 (2): 132–150. doi:10.1179/1462317X13Z.00000000071. ISSN 1462-317X.
- ^ "POLITICS, POLICY AND FAITH: THE CHRISTIAN RIGHT IN AUSTRALIA" (PDF). politicsandreligionjournal.com.
- ^ "Pilgrims' progress". Sydney Morning Herald. 24 January 2006.
- ^ Tom Hyland (20 December 2009). "Political influence of Christian right 'overstated'". Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ Historical details for ABN: 40 075120517, ASIC, retrieved 15 November 2011
- ^ Political Expenditure Return – 2009–10, AEC, retrieved 15 November 2011
- ^ a b Josh Taylor (22 February 2016). "Money and mining men behind the shadowy Australian Christian Lobby". crikey.com.au. Crikey. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
- ^ Jeffery, Stephen (20 March 2016). "Australian Christian Lobby registers Eternity House building as a separate not-for-profit". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
- ^ "Submissions". The Australian Christian Lobby. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
- ^ Viewpoint, Viewpoint, retrieved 14 June 2012
- ^ Media Releases, ACL, retrieved 15 November 2011
- ^ Newsletters, ACL, retrieved 15 November 2011
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
ACL position on marriage
was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Override hate speech laws to allow marriage equality debate, urges Christian lobby". theguardian. 16 February 2016.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
porteous
was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "This man runs a political group obsessed with gay-hate". Mamma Mia. 7 September 2012.
- ^ Sharpe, Brad (25 January 2001). "Business of God". Australia: Gold Coast Bulletin. Retrieved 4 November 2012.
- ^ a b Transcript – Australian Conference (PDF), National Library of Australia, 2007, retrieved 24 October 2011
- ^ "Turnbull to address Christian concerns". Christian Today. 3 October 2008. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
- ^ Here God is anything but dead, SMH, 22 June 2010, retrieved 23 October 2010
- ^ Zwartz, Barney (6 August 2010), Gillard bid to win back Christians, The Age, retrieved 18 August 2012
- ^ Karvelas, Patricia (30 October 2014). "Bill Shorten's description of Christians 'wide of the mark'". The Australian. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
- ^ "Scott Morrison tells Australian Christian Lobby budget will focus on tax and jobs". The Guardian. 23 April 2016. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
- ^ Harrison, Dan (6 September 2012). "Gillard singes Christian Lobby over 'offensive' gay remark". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 September 2012.
- ^ Sandeman, John (29 April 2013). "Changing the guard at the Christian lobby". Eternity Newspaper. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
- ^ Hatcher, Leigh (28 April 2013). "Jim and Lyle: Changing of the guard". Open House. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
- ^ "Our staff". Retrieved 12 May 2013.
- ^ a b The Australian Christian Lobby, ABC Radio National, retrieved 4 May 2013
- ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference
bfi
was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Warhurst, John (29 October 2014). "Pressure groups and the lessons political leaders should learn". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
- ^ Warhurst, John (11 May 2016). "Religion will play a role in 2016 federal election". The Age. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
- ^ "The Australian Christian Lobby will not go away". Eureka Street. 3 November 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
- ^ Warhurst, John (2006). "Religion in 21 st Century Australian National Politics" (PDF). Papers on Parliament. 46. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia. The Senate: 61–80. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
- ^ Ireland, Judith (19 February 2016). "Who are the Australian Christian Lobby?". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
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Cite error: A list-defined reference named "MICNSW" is not used in the content (see the help page).
Cite error: A list-defined reference named "MICNT" is not used in the content (see the help page).
Cite error: A list-defined reference named "MICQld" is not used in the content (see the help page).
Cite error: A list-defined reference named "MICTas" is not used in the content (see the help page).
Cite error: A list-defined reference named "MICVic" is not used in the content (see the help page).
Cite error: A list-defined reference named "MICWA" is not used in the content (see the help page).
Cite error: A list-defined reference named "MYCFQld" is not used in the content (see the help page).
Cite error: A list-defined reference named "news" is not used in the content (see the help page).