A Lewisham mayoral candidate has been criticised for publishing an anti-gay marriage leaflet saying wedlock between a man and woman was “fundamental” for a successful society.

The leaflet claimed what it called “natural marriage” was also the safest environment for raising children. 

The Christian People’s Alliance [CPA] leaflet, urging people to vote Maureen Martin for mayor, was posted through some Lewisham residents’ letter boxes last week.

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Under a “Marriage” subheading, it reads: “I pledge to cut through political correctness and simply state the truth that natural marriage between a man and a woman is the fundamental building block for a successful society, and the safest environment for raising children.” 

Damien Egan, Labour mayor of Lewisham, slammed the CPA’s policies as “discriminatory” and said the party didn’t represent the views of local residents.

He said: “The Christian Peoples Alliance don’t speak for the majority of Christians I know, nor do they speak for Lewisham residents. 

"With all that’s happening in our society I don’t understand why a candidate for mayor of Lewisham is putting forward policies that are clearly discriminatory and bigoted.

“If anything, this just makes me more determined to campaign harder with a positive campaign focused on housing, the cost of living crisis and the environment.

"I trust that the people of Lewisham won’t give their support to such outdated and frankly hurtful ideas.”

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms Martin defended the leaflet’s statements, claiming they were backed up by data and shared by locals.

She said: “Of course it’s not bigoted.

"There are studies that have come out that say children brought up by same sex couples, it’s harmful to them. It’s about better outcomes for children.

“I have had contact from people who agree with what I’m saying. My campaign generally it’s to address the issues that Lewisham residents care about.

"Not everybody shares Mr Egan’s opinion.

"It’s a minority that shares his opinion and people are happy that someone is bold enough to say it.

“I’m a Christian.

"The Bible says natural marriage is between a man and a woman.

"If people choose to have that relationship, that’s their choice.

"As far as I’m concerned it’s the law and people can choose to engage in gay marriage if they choose to.

"It wouldn’t be my choice. If they want to do so, they are free to do so.”

Ms Martin has previously pledged to end council support of LGBT events and oppose the rainbow flag being displayed in public places.

In a January interview, published on the website of campaign group the Croydon Constitutionalists, she said: “The CPA [Christian Peoples Alliance] would oppose Lewisham council funding and support for LGBT Pride marches and events, and oppose the display of associated flags and symbols on public buildings and places.”

In the same interview Ms Martin said the CPA aims to “uphold the sanctity of life from conception,” an argument that is used to oppose abortion.

The CPA’s 2021 local election manifesto said abortion was a nationwide scandal.

It reads: “The abortion statistics in the UK are both a national tragedy and a scandal.”

Elsewhere, it says: “Such practices as abortion and euthanasia, whether by act or omission, as well as being wrong in themselves, always corrupt the medical culture.”

The Christian Peoples Alliance has been contacted.

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