Kevin Rudd In The Hot Seat

[Christian Taylor]

i can see where he's coming from. i don't see how we're entitled to "marriage" per se. one has to respect that this is a very old tradition, steeped in religious history, that is all about heterosexual family units. expecting people to change the definitions of these cultural rituals is a pretty tall order. our society's not ready for it. and really, i think we can develop our own rituals and ways to be recognised.

[burgjo]

spot on... I'm with you Christian...... 100%

[dreadcircus]

Sometimes I wonder why we fight so hard for same sex marriage.. I mean with family breakdowns the largest in history and divorce rate very high, I think str8 couples have proven marriage to be an unworkable thing for the most part. Yes the idea is still quite romantic but to me it's still just a piece of paper to prove your love.. I'd be have just to be treated equally regarding my rights... Plus I'm quite involved in the pagan community and they do glbtq weddings all the time which are far more beautiful as they aint so steeped in religious sky god believing rubbish!

[danny corvini]

I don't think Rodney Croome speaks for the whole gay community with that comment about marriage. I think civil unions is what most relationship-inclined gays want. Who wants to get married in a church?!

[Brad]

Im also with Christian and with Danny on this, I have been in a r'ship for 6 years now - we dont want to get married but would like some areas of our r'ship recognised one day. I mean if we got married just which one of us would wear the dress!!? :)

[Funking Trance]

I'm all for the UK system of civil partnerships. Why the hell can't we have that? At least that guarantees us exactly the same rights as married couples. Australia is embarassingly well behind when it comes to equal rights for gays.

[Matty Taylor]

Rodney Croome may not speak for you or me, in fact, he may not want marriage for himself, however, he is someone doing something for a sector of our community who do not have the options of same-sex marriage. You'll need to wait for someone else to take up the civil-union debate or perhaps, maybe even, take it up yourself.

[remix_addict]

It's clear that Rudd will be no more progressive than our current PM. Even if you don't believe in gay marriage, this open discrimination doesn't bode well for us at all, and I for one refuse to smile and take what scraps of so-called equality they throw my way. Looks like the best option is to vote Green, at least then having more Green candidates in the Senate will mean more voices to speak up about social issues, and more accountability for the two major parties.
Ps. I'm not affiliated with any political party so this isn't some John Laws style "cash for comment" ;-)

[drmoreau]

But hasn't the Howard government said the same thing? Against marriage, but considering legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

[chad_74]

What we need is a gay lobby group which is not affiliated with any political party.....Just focused on our rights and a better life for us.
The biggest probleum though is how we fund it.We are so vocal about our rights but when if comes to cash were reluctant to part with it.
Perhaps weve got so far what we paid for.

[DeepBlueDreamer]

I agree with Christian. (There's a surprise! :p )

(Some of ) the current labor leadership reflects what the straight majority may look at as acceptable (for now.) Hopefully the petty charade Libs are putting on for the elections to look fair and decent wont get them another four years, and we can at least have what the Brits have. After all, a rose in any other name is still a rose, and it may be a way to 'sneak' the legislation through the parliament.

But really, who the f$%k do they think they are to dictate what GLBTQI people are entitled to? We have committed no crime nor are we about to infringe on anyones social or cultural lives. We don't barge in to their suburban Mc-mansions to stop family dinners? And yet, we have to bargain for equality?

I think we should get compensation for putting up with all this...or at least a tax refund!

Perhaps...say...any straight person who comes to our golden mile should pay double for booze and entry, and not be able to touch a member of the opposite sex whilst on Oxford street. Any kind of overt displays of sexual attraction towards the opposite sex can be done in private, out of view and we won't have any problems with heterosexuality. We understand it results in procreation (not that we can't do that our selves,) it's a human right etc. etc.
....ooooh...almost forgot.....
"If my own offspring turns out heterosexual, I'll be supportive and love and care for them equally. But thats not what this is all about. it's something I believe in!!!???"

Condescending arse-holes!!!! If there is a hell, I hope they rot there for all eternity.

OMG! I feel so good after getting that off my chest...:cool:

[harbourguy]

What we need is a gay lobby group which is not affiliated with any political party.....Just focused on our rights and a better life for us.
The biggest probleum though is how we fund it.We are so vocal about our rights but when if comes to cash were reluctant to part with it.
Perhaps weve got so far what we paid for.
that is a very good point. it does, however, all start with making an effort. if enough like-minded people get together and spread the word, then the politicians will have to listen. that's what "grass roots" lobbying is and (with the internet and our closely interwoven social circles) it's all about making a little bit of effort to generate a tidal wave of impact. money comes later.

[DeepBlueDreamer]

harbourguy, this page is trying to do exactly that.
http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/EqualBeforeTheLaw&id=29

The campaign calls for equal rights before the law, but stops at same rights as de facto heterosexual couples. It's a start...

[jackie87]

They are trying to win Christian votes so I can see why Rudd is staking that stance however, once the party realises its seats in inner city areas may be lost because of their failure to address this issue

[Weasel]

At least Rudd made a point of stressing his belief in equality on other fronts. There's a clear difference between the major parties here. That said, the Greens advocate total equality - giving them the balance of power could work out very well for us as a community.

[Weasel]

2 more things:
1. Brunehilde - where is your attck on Labor for this that skips over the fact that the Coalition's stated policy is far worse?
2. Who would have thought Kyle Sandilands would be such a vocal advocate for our rights? Between that and his being the sanest judge on this year's Idol, I am reassessing the man.

[peterr3445w]

This is a major step in the right direction. One of the major parties (and the one most likely to be in government) believes in allowing all the benefits of straight de-facto relationships to flow onto gay relationships. Achieve equality here and then look to marriage for those who want it later on.

[genkij]

Kevin needs to go for a daance in Heaven

[freakalude]

There are 58 pieces of federal legislation which discriminate against people in same-sex relationships. The Labor party has said that they will amend these and put us on the same legal footing as people in straight de-facto relationships. John Howard's cabinet had the chance to do this and decided that they would postpone a decision until 'later'.

Kevin Rudd's stance on marriage is unfortunate, but something that can continue to be tackled. Our legal rights are in my view, far more important, and we've got a choice between having them given to us now, or 'later'. Whenever that might be.

[Glenn]

Her we go again the Labor Party with another promise HELL KEVIN? how many more lies to win office. The thunderbirds are still pulling your strings

[Glenn]

Maybe its about time ALL editors of the newspapers & media alike & the leaders of the gay lobby groups removed their heads from the asses of all Labor polititions. They have been saying this crap for years & the gay community swallows it. Kevin you are the greatest threat to our community, the say everything then never deliver jellyfish. If he is elected to be leader of this country DONT COME CRYING when nothing eventuates because NOTHING WILL

[Glenn]

Isnt it great that when something is reported in our community by a labor politition it get rave views however when its done by anyone from the right of the political spectrum its rubbished. I suggest that ALL leaders within our community STAND DOWN for you are doing us MORE HARM THAN GOOD. Take your lips off the backsides of the likes of Kevin Rudd, Tanya Plebesek & Clover Moore, but "oh no" you like to have your names up in pretty pink lights.

[DeepBlueDreamer]

Glen, I agree that Rudd is not going to bend over backwards for the rights of the GLBTQI community. But as there are only two people who can become the next PM of Australia, I'd opt for the one who would do the most, least harm and someone who is ready to change and listen.

So far John howard's record has been filled with lies, back flips, ridicule, ego-driven stubbornness and sidestepping any and every opportunity and suggestion put forward for our rights. During his years in power countries known for social conservatism and the Inquisition have legalised gay marriage. If you are wondering why so many people in our community are supportive of the ALP, you only have to look at the past eleven years.

We all have certain parties we prefer over others for a variety of reasons, but an objective and unbiased look at the two parties makes it very clear that another four years under howard would be long and painful for the community. That much is obvious and anyone who doubt it is fooling them selves.

Sometimes, the majority do get it right...even those who enjoy a**e-play...he hee...sorry, I couldn’t resist with all your talk of heads up butts. :D

[Glenn]

DeepBlueDreamer thanks for your thoughts re: my blog. As a member of the Australian Liberal Party & Im not ashamed to admit that I have been since I was 18 years old, the problem we have is that everytime there is an election whether it state or federal we have them all coming out, lol, well some have on all sides with promise after promise saying they will improve the status of GAY RIGHTS & our concerns as a community.***** This section I have deleted as it would not be accepted by Same Same but if you want what I have just deleted & it concerns a former premier of this state just contact me & I can send privatley***** Just for the record everytime you read something attributed to the PM its always said " the Liberal Party DOSENT support or recognise gay issues" thats just bias from all sections of the gay media. The truth is THATS HIS yes HIS PERSONAL BELIEF not the Liberal Party. We have members just like the Labor Party who are gay some are open some are not. Kevin has stated in the past well before he became a economic conservative lol that he was ALL for gay rights he is only doing this to gain office so he can do exactly what his religous fuckheads want him to do. He is too much ME2 ME2 ME2 ME2 just for himself not the whole general population. We have members of parliament eg: Clover "am i a lesbian" Moore, Tanya "watajoke" Pliberesek & the greatest FUCKHEAD of them all Senator Bob ' come fuck my ass' Brown saying they are achieving all kinds of improvements for us. Its such a great joke. Whilst we have polititions bowing to the religous right & yes both sides do it we will achieve NOTHING. Look I could go on for hours & hours about all of this that would make your hair stand on ends if you knew what I knew about certain people political media people in the highest of positions that makes it look bad in the eyes of the public. Yes we seem to have the support of the public when there is a pole take but WHO THE FUCK BELEIVES THE POLES.

[chad_74]

Why do politicans promise the earth then backtrack?
Cause we let them.We australians tho blessed with a good life were a lazy mob.
Really we dont give a bugger as long as we can have our tinnie at night.
As a society we need to grow a backbone and force the removal of inefficient govt's.The last one removed was gough whitlim with his "time for a change".(and please note he wasnt voted back in)But please please please do not go for the rent an abusive gay dirty protester we see alot currently.Lets do it with well informed sane peoples.
Lets use our intellect not filthy language

[DeepBlueDreamer]

I think the scope of this thread just got wider to include free education.

I think it's past my bed time...

[blueterrace]

Bob's got no worries with it, you can always vote green. But then theres the question of preferences (poltical not sexual) and i guess labour have the better track record.

[chad_74]

Equality something we gays want but are unwilling to give....

My reasoning
Many have accused and harrased John Howard of his veiws
Yet Kevin Rudds are the same yet the abuse has been held back.
so Is it ok to deny gay rights if your labor but not if your liberal?
Dont sell your vote short regardless of political persuassion.
Give BOTH a hard time.If Mr Rudd is a younger Howard shouldnt we nip him in the bud and demand change from him now?

Be Loud Out and Proud.
The times NOW not later after discussions etc

[chad_74]

GAY RIGHTS HAVE BEEN AN ELECTION ISSUE FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS

LETS NOT LET IT CONTINUE

DEMAND CHANGE NOW FOR YOUR VOTE NOW