Campaigning website GetUp! has removed an online petition launched by an individual on their platform Community Run at the weekend, seeking a de-registration of Dr Pansy Lai, a GP in Sydney.
The Marriage Coalition advertisement showed three mothers, one being Dr Lai, voicing their concerns if same-sex marriage was legalised.
The petition called for the Australian Medical Association and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency to review Ms Lai’s registration, accusing her of a ‘violation of its code of ethics’.
However, it has now been pulled down by the website following a barrage of complaints.
GetUp! claim they never endorsed the move and that the petition breached their terms and conditions.
A spokesperson for GetUp! told SBS News that CommunityRun campaigns were not run or endorsed by them.
Dr Pansy Lai in the No campaign advertisement. Source: Coalition for Marriage
They said it was a decentralised platform, similar to YouTube or Change.org, where any member of the public could upload a petition.
“[We do] not support a petition targeting Dr Pansy Lai, which was uploaded over the weekend, nor did GetUp! endorse or organise it. The petition received dozens of complaints, which triggered a review process,” they stated.
“Following the review, the petition was found to breach CommunityRun’s terms and conditions and was taken down on Monday morning.
“GetUp! remains opposed to a plebiscite for many reasons, and condemns personal attacks against individuals on either side of the campaign.”
Dr Lai is a staunch opponent of the Safe Schools program and warned about it in the new campaign ad that appeared on national television last week.
She also recently rejected claims that the Australian Chinese for Families Association, which she founded, advocates gay conversion therapies.
Coalition for Marriage spokeswoman Monica Doumit said the petition was aimed at silencing Vote No campaigners.
“The petition against Dr Lai is a threat not only to her, but to any others who might try to voice their opinion. The message is loud and clear: agree on same-sex marriage or else,” she declared.
The Managing Director of the Australian Christian Lobby, Lyle Shelton, said those who have spoken out against same-sex marriage have been abused.
“Anyone who has put their head above the parapet to campaign to preserve marriage between a man and a woman has been subject to this sort of abuse,” he told Sky News.
