MORE than half of Australian Christians believe same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.

The Galaxy research poll released today, found that 53 per cent of Australians who identify as Christians support same-sex marriage, while 41 per cent oppose.

The poll found 67 per cent of non-Christians support it.

Canberra Uniting Church Minister Rev Roger Munson said access to marriage, a public expression of commitment and love, is an essential part of being human and an inalienable right.

“As Christians we need to support those who are excluded and challenge those who through exclusion dehumanise and discriminate,” he said.

“I urge you to join the campaign to welcome our GLBT [gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and trans-gender] friends to express their love and commitment to each other through this special rite.”

The poll found overall support for same-sex marriage was 60 per cent, unchanged from an identical poll by Galaxy in October last year (the result of the

October poll was 62 per cent, which is within the margin of error of +/- 2 per cent).

However, since the last poll, 5 per cent of supporters of equality have shifted from “agree” to “strongly agree”, with a similar shift among opponents of reform from “strongly disagree” to “disagree”.

To view the complete findings of the poll visit, http://bit.ly/pMdFGS 

For the Christians 4 Equality webform and a list of clergy in support, visit,
www.christians4equality.com.au