Threats to hotel staff in same sex marriage debate
Christian groups planning to meet at a major hotel have been forced to cancel their plans amid claims there had been physical threats from marriage equality advocates.
The Accor Hotels group said the meeting had been cancelled in the wake of a social media storm that resulted in phone calls that had left staff “rattled”.
The meeting were cancelled because of safety concerns for staff.
Company headquarters stepped in after there were phone calls that left staff feeling disturbed.
The four Christian groups had booked one of the hotel’s conference room to prepare for a “no” campaign in the potential plebiscite.
Word got out when gay news website SameSame.com.au alerted readers.
According to SameSame, the no case advocates were planning a “secret event” in Sydney.
The website called on the hotel to “immediately cancel the booking”
LGBTIQA Activist, Pauline Pantsdown told SameSame that ACL’s hosting of the event “can only create discord and anxiety in the community”.
With the calls coming in to hotel staff, the company shut down its Facebook page.
“We appreciate your comments in relation to the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) and their planned event at our hotel. Following an objective review regarding the safety and security of our hotel guests and staff, the decision has been made that the event will no longer be held at our venue,' Mecure said in a statement on Facebook on Friday.
Contacted by the media, the hotel would not confirm whether there had been death threats. Nor would they say whether police had been notified.
The meeting was expected to attract 100 people from the Sydney Anglicans, Sydney Catholics, the Marriage Alliance and the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL).
The bill to hold the February 11 plebiscite was introduced into parliament last week,
However, it appears to be headed for defeat in the Senate, with Opposition leader Bill Shorten indicating that Labor will vote against it.
by Leon Gettler, September 26th 2016
