Couple threaten divorce over same-sex marriage vote, citing sanctity of marriage
The couple, who have been married for over a decade, will refuse to recognise the government's regulation of marriage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A couple have vowed to divorce if Australia should vote to allow same-sex couples the right to legally marry.
The couple, who have been married for over a decade, have no intention of separating but say they will divorce if any there is any move to legalise same-sex marriage.
Nick and Sarah Jensen, from Canberra, believe widening the definition to include same-sex couples threatens the sacred nature of the union.
"My wife and I, as a matter of conscience, refuse to recognise the government's regulation of marriage if its definition includes the solemnisation of same sex couples," Mr Jensen told City News.
"If our federal parliament votes to change the timeless and organic definition of marriage later on this year, it will have moved against the fundamental and foundational building block of Australian society and, indeed, human culture everywhere."
The couple are acting in response to growing discussion about a same-sex vote in Australia.
On 28 May 2015, Prime Minister Tony Abbott bowed to pressure to allow his MPs a free vote on same-sex marriage, clearing the way for a change in the law as early as August.
Mr Jensen is a director of the Lachlan Macquarie Institute, a Christian lobby group.
"The decision to divorce is not one we’ve taken lightly. And certainly, it’s not one that many will readily understand," he said.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments