THE two mothers of a Ballarat teenager, who penned a heartfelt letter to Prime Minister Tony Abbott, imploring him to change his stance on same-sex marriage, have condemned a hate-filled letter that was sent to their home by a stranger.
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The three-page letter written by their daughter Natalie Shaw, 15, called on the federal government to legally recognise the love between homosexual couples.
As reported in The Courier earlier this month, the Mount Helen resident told Mr Abbott she had only ever known a life with two mothers her biological mum Jacki and her loving partner Nicky Bell.
On Wednesday, Ms Bell was shocked to find an "offensive and disturbing" stamped letter, personally addressed to Jacki, signed only "anonymous".
After reporting the letter to the police, Ms Bell shared the letter on the Marry My Mums Facebook page and vowed the family would not be silenced.
"To the person who sent this, the fact that you took the time to find out where we live and sent this to our home, a place that is filled with nothing but love, speaks volumes about the kind of person you are, not the kind of person I am or the kind of family we are," Ms Bell wrote.
Ms Bell went on to say that the family completely supported Natalie's "love and passion" to achieve equal rights for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.
In the letter seen by The Courier, the person outlined that the idea of homosexuals marrying made them want to "vomit" and that it was impossible for a child to have two mothers and two fathers.
Social media has been flooded by people denouncing the act.
More than 150 people have thrown their support behind the family, with Facebook users dubbing the author of the letter a "coward".
"I am disgusted ... How cowardly is it to sign anonymously? Own up to your opinion or, better yet keep the negativity to yourself," wrote one person.
Another spoke of her own upbringing with two mums.
"What a despicable, cruel, ill-informed letter," she wrote. "I have two mums and can't think of a more loving and caring couple. My brothers and I turned out fine. At least we were raised with open minds and hearts."
Jacki, who requested her last name not be published following the incident, said she felt violated and vilified by the letter.
She called on the author of the letter to come forward and said she refused to be stifled by a "faceless and nameless coward".
"My daughter is only a teenager, yet she has put her name and face to her plight for equality. I would never stop her from expressing her opinion and doing what she believes is right. This person is gutless. They can't even sign their name."
Jacki said she had found comfort in the overwhelming love and support the family had received.
"This experience has ... pushed me at every level, but I couldn't be prouder or love my daughter more."
Mr Abbott's office has so far declined to comment on the letter but has maintained that any change to the Marriage Act would be a decision for the party room.
melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au