Christian marriage fear

CHRISTIANS opposed to gay marriage fear they will face discrimination if they don’t provide goods and services for same-sex ceremonies.

In submissions to a federal parliamentary inquiry on freedom of religion, various Christian groups have highlighted overseas cases of people being prosecuted or sued for refusing gay-marriage business.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference said changing the definition of marriage would have an impact on all church members, but especially “ordinary parishioners trying to live their faith in their daily lives”.

“In the face of growing intolerance of religious or other conscientious beliefs ... it is likely that people of faith will suffer discrimination and vilification of various kinds for holding fast to the traditional understanding of marriage,” the bishops said.