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Couple face backlash over plans to divorce if gay marriage allowed

A Canberra couple that vowed to get divorced if same sex marriage was legalised, are facing intense public backlash and have had their controversial views condemned by family and friends.

In a piece written for Canberra City News last week, Nick Jensen wrote that he and his wife Sarah would not wish to be associated with any new definition of marriage.

"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 wrote.

The Jensens, who are devout, practising Christians, have faced public ridicule since the controversial piece made headlines across the country.


More than 153,000 people have said they will attend a mock party titled "Celebrating Nick & Sarah Jensen's DIVORCE!"

The Facebook page for the event, hosted by Canberra man Jesse Mount, has been flooded with beautiful photos of same-sex couples, as well as messages of support for marriage equality.

The event description written by Mr Mount reads: “They have decided that being married together in a country where it's legal for a man and a man to marry, or a woman and a woman, is just too horrible. They'd much rather be divorced and I think we should all support and celebrate in their decision when the date finally does come.”

“We sure hope there won't be any backing out on their behalf as hundreds upon hundreds of gays and gay rights supporters come to rejoice in the parting ways of these narrow minded citizens which so many of us are ashamed to call Canberrans.”

Nick and Sarah Jensen believe marriage should only be between a man and woman. Source: Facebook.
Nick and Sarah Jensen believe marriage should only be between a man and woman. Source: Facebook.

On a more personal level, the Jensens have been uninvited from a friend’s upcoming engagement party.

Annie Haggar has declared that while she and her fiancé were high school friends with the pair, she does not want them to come near her wedding.

“I don’t believe in God, but according to Nick Jensen, regardless of more than 10 years living in sin with more than one long-term partner in that time, God will bless my marriage and the fruits of it. Whether I want it or not,” she wrote in a piece published by News Corp.

“God won’t, however, bless that of anyone who is gay and wants to be married.”

She said she was deeply offended that Mr Jensen believed that marriage should be denied to same-sex couples.

Attempts to denouce the Jensens have also led to an unknown Sydneysider creating a profile for Mr Jensen on the gay hook-up application Grindr.

The fake profile described Mr Jensen, who is the director of the Lachlan Macquarie Institute, a partner of the Australian Christian Lobby, as a “Married man soon to be back on the market.”

"Just looking for NSA [no strings attached] and must be discreet. Live in Canberra but in Sydney for a few days - love this gay city!"

Mr Jensen's own brother has also strongly disagreed with his sibling’s views in a reply published by City News.

However he has defended his brother’s right to free speech and criticised the viciousness of the public reaction.

"I’m sad at how this debate can deteriorate, blame on both sides. Clearly each side is passionate and fervent in their reasoning. And each should appreciate there are good people on both sides who have very deep beliefs," Soren Jensen wrote.

"I disapprove of what my brother has said, but I will defend to the death his right to say it. And your right to respond. But let's do so in a way that is constructive."