Australian wedding magazine shuts after refusing to feature same sex couples

An Australian wedding magazine has had to shut down after it refused to feature same sex couples.

Following the LGBT row, the founders of White magazine said they had no choice but to close because advertisers had left them.

Luke and Carla Burrell posted an emotional farewell to readers on their Facebook, claiming they had been targeted by a “flood of judgement”, the BBC reported.

The Christian couple wrote: “Last year the Australian law was changed to allow same-sex couples to marry. Since then we have been asked repeatedly why our magazine had not yet featured all couples.

“Like many people, we have had to reflect on our beliefs, not to judge ourselves or others, but to intentionally make space for new conversations.

“It’s a long and continuing journey, it’s not black and white, there are so many grey areas that need to be explored. Our greatest mandate is to love and the biggest question we’ve continued to ask ourselves throughout it is, how do we best love?

“White Magazine has always been a secular publication, but as its publishers, we are Christian.”

The statement added: “Recently we’ve experienced a flood of judgement.”

The couple claimed they were put in a position by some who “demanded they pick a side” and the company has resulted in seeing a number of advertisers withdraw their sponsorship.

They said this was out of “fear of being judged or in protest”.

The post was met with mixed views on social media, with some praising the company for sticking to their principles, and some arguing the magazine is being homophobic.

The posted ended with the company thanking contributors, supporters and readers throughout the last 12 years of its publication.

It added: “We have no agenda but to love”.