Coopers directors Tim and Melanie Cooper have released an apology video following backlash over Coopers Light featuring in a debate about marriage equality hosted by The Bible Society.
“Coopers never intended to make light of such an important issue and would never and did not approve the making or release of The Bible Society video debate,” Tim said.
They added: “We have consequently cancelled the release of our Bible Society commemorative cans and will be taking steps to show further support for our community, including joining Australian Marriage Equality.
“Our company brews great beer that we are passionate about, and we warmly embrace all Australians.”
Pubs have boycotted Coopers following the Bible Society Australia releasing a video, called “Keeping It Light”, featuring Christian MP Andrew Hastie and agnostic gay MP Tim Wilson discussing their opposing views on same-sex marriage while drinking Coopers Light.
The Bible Society said on its website that the Keeping it Light campaign was a bid to foster a respectful “national conversation” that has become “fraught with shallowness and contempt for those who have a differing opinion”.
Coopers taps have since been switched off in the Old Bar, Sircuit nightclub and Mollies Bar & Diner in Fitzroy, Melbourne, and Sydney pubs including the Hollywood Hotel in Surry Hills, the Newtown Hotel and Hideaway Bar in Enmore.
More than 1100 people have also signed a petition on change.org calling for a boycott on “Coopers Brewery until they support marriage equality in Australia.”
Tim Wilson has responded to the backlash, telling news.com.au it is “absurd”.
“I’m disappointed Coopers appears to have distanced themselves from a sensible conversation that they should be proud to align themselves with,” he said.
“The objective of the Bible Society was to bring together two people who disagree on an issue they both feel passionately about and demonstrate they can disagree without being disagreeable.
“Our society needs more civil discussions, not less. You can’t persuade people to change their mind if you only talk to people you agree with.”
The Bible Society has issued a statement saying it was “entirely responsible for the ‘Keeping it Light’ video. It was not sponsored by Coopers. No money has changed hands between Bible Society and Coopers in regards to this campaign”.
“Bible Society remains grateful to Coopers for both the release of light beer commemorating our bicentenary and their support through their foundation for the distribution of bibles to the Defence Force and those who need them.”
Click here to watch the video.
