Woman sacked for 'vote no' support in same-sex marriage poll says dismissal 'unfair'
A woman fired over publicly declaring her decision to vote no in the same-sex marriage postal vote said her dismissal was “unfair”.
Madeline, who has not revealed her last name, was sacked as a contractor from an entertainment business in Canberra after she “made it public knowledge” that “it’s okay to vote no”.
The 18-year-old changed her Facebook profile photo to include a Coalition for Marriage filter.
The owner of the company, Madlin Sims, said she fired the staff member for being “homophobic” and she couldn’t have someone who represents her children’s entertainment business “posting hate speech online”.
But her former employee told Triple J’s Hack that while she believes in equality, she could not vote yes based on her Christian values.
“I have been raised a Christian my whole life and in the bible God clearly states that a man and a man, and a woman and a woman, are not to be together,” she said.
“I love everyone, I'm not a hateful person at all and I do believe everyone should have equality, but to vote yes to me is something I can't do.”
Madeline told The Bolt Report on Tuesday night she did not deserve to lose her job over her opinion on same sex marriage.
“This is a democracy and we were given the options and asked as Australians to vote yes or no and it is my opinion to vote no,” she said.
"I don't think my job should be taken away from me just because I have an opinion that someone disagrees with."
She also told The Australian that as a religious person she is expected to “tolerate everything and anything thrown” at her.
“But other people don't have to tolerate Christians,” she said.
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Ms Sims has since stated in a Facebook post, which has been deleted, that she did not fire Madeline because of her views on marriage equality.
“She was let go because her actions showed she is extremely out and proud about her views on homosexuals,” she posted.
“We have gay staff members. We entertain at parties where the children of gay parents attend. We entertain at parties where gay children attend. This. Woman. Was. A. Risk.”
Following the Triple J interview, Ms Sims said she was happy Madeline voiced her opinions, but stood by her decision.
