Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Archbishop offends smokers: Labor senator From:


From Australia-

A LABOR senator and marriage equality advocates have taken aim at Sydney's Anglican archbishop, describing as offensive his comments about the health risks of homosexuality.


Peter Jensen, during a TV appearance, backed the views of Australian Christian Lobby head Jim Wallace who suggested a homosexual lifestyle was more hazardous to health than smoking.

"As far as I can see the lifespan of practising gays is significantly shorter than the ordinary so-called heterosexual man," Dr Jensen told ABC's Q&A program on Monday night.

Federal Labor backbencher Trish Crossin told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday the remarks were offensive.

"Particularly for people who have smoked, who have developed cancer as a result of that, and (for) loved ones who have lost families," she said.

Senator Crossin is the co-sponsor of a private bill to legalise same-sex marriage, which could be voted on next week.

"What we want to do is force the coalition to have a conscience vote on this, like they do with every other piece of legislation," she said.

Marriage equality advocates called on Dr Jensen to apologise for his "cruel" comments on homosexuality.

More here-

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/archbishop-offends-smokers-labor-senator/story-e6frf7kf-1226471683907

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