Coopers have cancelled the release of a limited edition of commemorative beers in support of Bible Society Australia's 200th birthday, following the controversy surrounding the organisation's 'Keeping It Light' same-sex marriage debate video.
A number of customers and popular live music venues around the country called for a complete boycott of the South Australian brewery, while Melbourne's Malthouse Theatre (who Coopers gained naming-rights sponsorship with in 2013) asked they "clarify their position".
Coopers Managing Director, Dr Tim Cooper AM, and Director of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Melanie Cooper AM, addressed the controversy in a video statement released on the company's Facebook on Monday.
"As a longstanding philanthropic company, Coopers Brewery has been passionate about supporting all aspects of our community and has actively and financially embraced many different organisations," Mr Cooper said.
"Our company's guiding principles have centred around respect for others, and, as such, the recent activity surrounding the video made by the Bible Society has conflicted with our core values.
"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."
Ms Cooper claimed that the brewery has always encouraged individualism and supports marriage equality.
"Offence has been taken by our recent involvement, for which we are deeply sorry," she said.
"We have listened to a range of community views, we acknowledge this feedback and respect everyone's individual opinions and beliefs.
"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 Marriage Equality Australia."
See the full video statement below.
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