South Australian brewer Coopers is facing a boycott following the release of a video in which two Liberal MPs debate the issue of marriage equality.
The video, entitled “Keeping it Light”, was released by the Bible Society. It features Liberal MPs Andrew Hastie and Tim Wilson delivering their opposing views on the issue.
Wilson, who is gay, supports marriage quality. Hastie takes the opposing view and says marriage should be exclusively between a man and a woman.
The two politicians, along with a ‘moderator’ Matt Andrews, are filmed holding bottles of Coopers Light and, at the end of the video, agree to keep things “light on a heavy topic”.
As the Huffington Post reports, several pubs and clubs including Melbourne’s Sircuit Nightclub and The Old Bar, as well as Sydney’s Hollywood Hotel and Newtown Hotel have condemned the video.
‘Keeping it light’ from Bible Society Australia on Vimeo.
According to 9news.com.au, Sircuit destroyed its stock of Coopers products.
“What Coopers products that were available in Sircuit, have been removed,” said General Manager of Sircuit, Chris Driscoll.
“Actually I threw them out. Sircuit and Mollies, like beer companies, have choices. I have made mine. If Coopers wish to discuss, they have my number.”
However, despite the presence of its products in the video, Coopers has denied involvement.
“We want you to know that Coopers did not give permission for our Premium Light beer to feature in, or ‘sponsor’ the Bible Society’s ‘Keeping it Light’ video featuring Andrew Hastie and Tim Wilson,” the company said in a statement.
The Bible Society backed the claim.
“It’s true that they didn’t sponsor the video, no money changed hands, they weren’t consulted, that was entirely the Bible Society’s work,” CEO Greg Clarke told ABC News Breakfast.