POLL: Call it homosexual unions, not marriage: ex-pastor
WITH his bible in hand, Peter Wiggins firmly states his belief that marriage is strictly between a man and woman
The former Wesleyan Presbyterian Church pastor has had strong views on the subject of same-sex marriage in the past, and was more than happy to share them with the Daily News.
Describing marriage as 'the union of a man and a woman', Mr Wiggins said he was taking God's word in the bible as the authority on the subject.
"I believe God made men and women and he created marriage," he said.
"It's not a personal thing, it's what we know God's word says."
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With the topic of same-sex marriage gaining traction in recent weeks, and a bill being introduced into the Federal Parliament by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten yesterday, there's been plenty of opposing views presented in the public arena.
For Mr Wiggins it's a case of respecting people's opinions, but not agreeing with them.
"I'm respectful of them as human beings and respectful in that I'm not going to punch them in the nose for their view," he said.
"I will disagree with their view."
LETTER TO THE EDITOR FROM MR WIGGINS
The new bill before parliament would see the wording of the Marriage Act changed from 'a man and a woman' to 'two people', something which doesn't fit with many religious opinions.
"People who have biblical views would see it as what God ordained is marriage is being destroyed," Mr Wiggins said.
"If they want to have a union, call it a homosexual union."
Opponents of same-sex marriage, including the Prime Minister Tony Abbott and local Federal MP Bruce Scott, have been labelled as 'homophobic' in the past - a title Mr Wiggins rejects.
While Mr Wiggins said he had nothing against homosexuals, he didn't believe in their 'lifestyle choice'.
"I disagree with the homosexual lifestyle because the bible says it's against the creator," he said.
"I have homosexual acquaintances - I don't shun them."
Everyone was welcome in the Wiggins' household and church, according to Mr Wiggins.
"They will find we take a biblical stance on what marriage is."
