Sex Lies And Red Tape

Local News, By Star1, 16th March, 2008

Is the Rudd Government vetting out gays? Prehistoric ways return, with staff in the Rudd government angered after being forced to list their history of sexual partners and detail homosexual experiences before gaining security clearance.

Over 300 ministerial and electorate staff have been ordered to answer a 25-page form and attend an in-depth interview into their personal finances, drug habits and sexual history before gaining high-level security clearance, being told that the security form is designed to protect them from blackmail. But is this a form of gay employee genocide?

Several of Rudd staff recently told a Sydney newspaper that they and their friends were bitter by the personal information they had been forced to reveal.

John Faulkner, Special Minister of State and Cabinet Secretary, says some ministerial staff find the form intrusive though the clearance was necessary for those who handled sensitive and classified material.

“I’m ensuring the Government makes the obtaining of these security clearances a high priority, given the nature of the work and the sensitivity and classification of material that is handled. I’m keen to ensure all staff have security clearance and that ministers are aware of that responsibility,” he said.

Australian Federal Police confirmed the security-clearance process requested personal details. Those who were subjected to the interview were asked about their sexual preference, whether they’d had a gay experience, whether they’d cheated on their partner and also how many partners they’d had.

Despite the seriousness of the interrogation, the Minister says that answering “yes” to any of the above doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out – although those who remain in will no doubt need a lot more re-assurance than that!

Your Thoughts

pdunni

said ages ago

its necessary as mentioned to protect from blackmail. You cannot protect against what you don't know you have to deal with.

davewb

said ages ago

Isn't this illegal???? And pdunni, in this day and age, why should hmomsexuality or 'sexually adventurous' people be subject to blackmail??? I think alot of gays would be excluded on the basis of these Q's: most of us gays have such an extensive 'sexual history' that one would find difficulty recalling all of it!

Jody Ekert

said ages ago

That's nothing to the questions you get asked going into ASIO - and don't ask me how I know that ;-)

jackie87

said ages ago

I guess this would be necessary after the whole Milton Orkopoulos scandal to prevent any more incidents like that

natejd87

said ages ago

I dont think it means that sexuallyadventurous people are going to be kicked out of the cabinet. But think, if you have cheated on your wife with a gay man, and your going to be in the public eye, I think that may be important. Look at Rudd's New York strip club, it showed up years later. In my opinion, I think its unfortunate, but if you are going to be a top ranking gov't official, its very important.

whizzbang_REMOVED

said ages ago

The collection of that information is a bit disturbing on first thought, but the intention is to prevent corruption by avoiding putting potentially vulnerable persons in a situation of being blackmailed or otherwise compromised when dealing with high-level government information, systems and processes. That's not entirely a judgment on the person. It is a blunt risk management policy.

daev

said ages ago

I doubt Milton Orkopoulos would have answered his sexual history questions honestly. We should put all of our politicians on that brilliant TV show MOMENT OF TRUTH: AFTER 1 TOO MANY MOSELLES, DID YOU BONE PAULINE HANSON IN THE PHOTOCOPIER ROOM AFTER FRIDAY NIGHT DRINKS IN PARLIAMENT HOUSE?

chad_74

said ages ago

A complete invasion of privacy.Whether you have a gay or hetro affair surely doesnt make you a greater security risk. I suggest Krudd is the first to do so. one may begin to suspect its another case of the pot calling the kettle black.

athleticute

said ages ago

It's a security check, get over it. High level public jobs equals high level accountability. Imagine a government without gays... it's not going to happen.

mjm078

said ages ago

My company deals with government lobbyists on a daily basis - Us gays run parliament trust me......... This story is not a gay beat up its simply a security thing.......They have learn't from dear old Milton and the woman at Wollongong council who had her fanny out to any building developer etc etc

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