Christian Network criticises ruling on gay marriage

The Supreme Court of Appeal's ruling on the development of the common law definition of marriage to include same-sex marriage was criticised by the Christian View Network today. "The decision undermines the status of the good moral institution of marriage, by equating it with immoral homosexual relationships," the Network said in a statement.

Philip Rosenthal, the director of ChristianView Network, said the court's decision violated moral values, democracy and the separation of powers in government. "It is likely to worsen the already serious stress on the institution of marriage and family in South Africa".

Rosenthal said South Africans should resist the court's decision, which he referred to as "judicial tyranny" and uphold the sanctity of marriage. He said for the court's decision to become law, it still had to be certified by the Constitutional Court. "The Constitutional Court and Parliament would be influenced by the response of the public," he said.

The African Christian Democratic Party expressed "extreme disappointment" at the judgment. "The ruling does not alter our Judeo-Christian view that marriage should be between male and female," said Steve Swart, the ACDP spokesperson. A referendum should be held on the issue of same-sex marriages to guide Parliament when legislating on the issue. - Sapa