Jim Wallace (Australian activist) explained

Jim Wallace (Australian activist) should not be confused with Jim Wallis.

Jim Wallace
Allegiance:Australia
Branch:Australian Army
Serviceyears:1968–2000
Rank:Brigadier
Commands:Special Air Service Regiment
Battles:United Nations Truce Supervision Organization
Awards:Member of the Order of Australia
Laterwork:Christian lobbyist

James John Arundel Wallace, AM is a retired Australian Army officer and a current lobbyist on social issues. Wallace was the managing director of the Australian Christian Lobby from 2000 to 2013.[1] [2] He is now the Chairman of that organisation.[3]

Early life and military career

Wallace studied at the Royal Military College, Duntroon and the British Army Staff College.[4] He served in the Australian Army for 32 years, reaching the rank of brigadier. His service included command of the Special Air Service Regiment (1988–1990). He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1984.[5] [6]

Activism and criticism

Wallace has publicly expressed opposition to women in combat[7] and changing the Marriage Act of Australia.[8] [9] Several of his public comments, particularly those about homosexuality, have attracted criticism.[10] [11]

Wallace has raised concerns about violent video games.[12] The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Wallace "suggested a homosexual lifestyle was more hazardous to health than smoking."[13] [14] In response Prime Minister Julia Gillard called Wallace's comments "heartless", "wrong" and "totally unacceptable", and cancelled a speech she had planned to give to the ACL's national conference.[15] On 4 May 2012, Wallace appeared before the Australian Senate, Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee during their consideration of the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2010 where he presented to the Committee his arguments, "in support of the definition of marriage".[16]

Following a return visit to Syria in 2013 to assess the situation for the minorities in the Syrian conflict, Wallace claimed the vulnerable Christians there will face even worse persecution than that experienced by Egypt's Coptic Christians.[17] Saying that the West's policy for the Middle East "courts a disaster", he urged the West to take decisive action to protect Syria's Christians.[18]

Wallace also commentates on defence and security issues,[19] having lived in the Middle East where he served with the United Nations in Lebanon and Syria.[20] In 2003 he was appointed the Council of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute by the Minister for Defence.[21] As of 2017 he was no longer on ASPI's Council.[22]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sandeman. John. Changing the guard at the Christian lobby . 29 April 2013 . . 15 May 2013.
  2. Web site: Hatcher . Leigh. Jim and Lyle: Changing of the guard . 28 April 2013 . Open House . 15 May 2013.
  3. Web site: Our Board. Australian Christian Lobby. 15 May 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130511043741/http://www.acl.org.au/our-board/. 11 May 2013. dead.
  4. Web site: Our Staff . . 15 November 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20111206193003/http://www.acl.org.au/our-staff/ . 6 December 2011 .
  5. Web site: Search: Wallace, James John Arundel. It's An Honour . 11 June 1984 . Commonwealth of Australia.
  6. News: Jim Wallace of the Australian Christian Lobby. Austin, Steve. 8 June 2005. ABC Queensland. 11 April 2013. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20100611153909/http://www.abc.net.au/queensland/stories/s1387718.htm. 11 June 2010.
  7. News: Former SAS Commander says no to women in combat . 12 April 2011 . . 15 November 2012.
  8. Web site: Ethical arguments against same-sex marriage laws. Religion & Ethics Dept. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 10 April 2013.
  9. News: Gay marriage is threatening our freedom of faith. 15 November 2012. The Punch. 30 April 2011 .
  10. Web site: Cullen. Simon. Lower House votes down same-sex marriage bill. ABC News. 10 April 2013.
  11. Web site: Jim Wallace from Australian Christian Lobby causes Anzac Day outrage with anti-gay, anti-Muslim Twitter message . Masters, Stephanie . 25 April 2011 . . 15 May 2012.
  12. News: Virtual classes of cold-blooded killing . Wallace, Jim . . 30 July 2011 . 25 November 2012.
  13. Web site: Farr. Malcolm. Julia Gillard cancels speech at Australian Christian Lobby conference over 'smoking healthier than gay marriage' slur. News.com.au. 10 April 2013.
  14. News: It's all in the packaging . . 6 September 2012 . 25 November 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215725/http://media.smh.com.au/news/national-times/its-all-in-the-packaging-3614462.html . 4 October 2013 . dead .
  15. News: Gillard singes Christian Lobby over 'offensive' gay remark . Harrison, Dan . 6 September 2012 . . 6 September 2012.
  16. Web site: . Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee . Witness statements . 4 May 2012 . 25 November 2012.
  17. News: West must act decisively to protect Syria's persecuted Christians . 28 May 2013 . . 30 May 2013.
  18. News: Syrian Syriac National Council Urges Support of Christians in the Country . 29 May 2013 . . 30 May 2013 .
  19. News: Iraq war analysis . 7 April 2003 . O'Brien . Kerry. 7.30 Report. ABC News. Australia. 30 May 2013.
  20. Web site: BIO. The Drum Opinion. ABC News. Australia. 10 April 2013.
  21. Web site: Minister of Defence. New ASPI Council Members. Media release. Australian Strategic Policy Institute. 18 October 2017. 27 May 2003.
  22. Web site: Our people. Australian Strategic Policy Institute. 18 October 2017.

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