Wong 'hypocrite' on gaymarriage

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Matt Akersten

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Mon 26th Jul, 2010 in Local News

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Openly-lesbian Senator Penny Wong will now be ‘moving forward’ without the support of marriage equality advocates.

Labor’s Climate Change Minister (pictured) said on Channel Ten yesterday that she respected her party’s opposition to gay marriage law reform.

‘‘On the issue of marriage I think the reality is there is a cultural, religious, historical view around that which we have to respect”, she stated.

Australian Marriage Equality spokesperson Alex Greenwich says Senator Wong’s rationale for opposing marriage equality is “deeply hypocritical.”

“It was once the ‘cultural, religious and historical view’ that women should not be members of parliament, Asians should not be allowed into Australia, and lesbians shouldn’t even exist, yet thankfully all that changed allowing people like Penny Wong to contribute to Australian society at the highest level,” he reacted.

“By opposing marriage equality, Penny Wong has betrayed gay and lesbian Australians, and by using culture, religion and history to justify this opposition she has betrayed the principles of tolerance and inclusion that have given her immense opportunities as a lesbian woman of Chinese descent.”

“I can only pity Senator Wong for putting the politics of prejudice ahead of her own equality.”

Green Party leader Bob Brown – who’s also gay – was just as shocked at Wong’s statement.

‘’Oh look, I was horrified. To somehow excuse discrimination on the basis of culture or heritage – are we going to bring back in hanging?” he reacted, reports the AAP.

‘Fair dinkum!’

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott went head-to-head last night in their only planned live TV debate.

Sadly on this occasion however, there wasn’t a DNA magazine editor or member of Same Same’s Forum present in the studio to question them about same-sex marriage.

Most pundits have announced that Labor’s Tilda Swinton lookalike marginally won the debate over the Liberals’ suited Speedo fan.

Missed the debate? Check out our edited highlights package below.

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Tatsuya

Tatsuya said on the 26th Jul, 2010

tatsuya hates people who speak in third person
tatsuya hates self haters...
T_T awww... tatsuya is stuck in a loop

ammonite

ammonite said on the 26th Jul, 2010

Bob Brown horrified response at wong

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-election/brown-horrified-at-wongs-antigay-marriage-stance-20100726-10rwj.html

i love bob

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 26th Jul, 2010

lol:)

That famous Arthur Carlwell (?) quote " two wongs don't make a white". We can laugh now, can't we?

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 26th Jul, 2010

Yeah, Bob Brown brought up 'same sex marriage' in an response to the Great Debate last night. We all know that he is gay right?

Mark Adnum

Mark Adnum said on the 26th Jul, 2010

leave her alone! she's a senator first and a lesbian second. do you honestly want someone as poised and intelligent as her rabbiting on with predigested gay politik 24/7? She does far more for gay rights shrugging off questions about her homosexuality while demonstrating political prowess and brains than she ever would standing there like a Tardis letting recorded voice messages about gay pride pour out of her mouth like lava.

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 26th Jul, 2010

Yeah Penny is cool and on our side. The fact that she is in a such a high and public position AND is openly gay, is great for our collective g/l cause?

porra

porra said on the 26th Jul, 2010

That's just so... Wong...

Barrin

Barrin said on the 26th Jul, 2010

Graham Richardson on Q & A just put it all in perspective and vigorously defended Penny. Seems there are nowhere near the numbers in the Labor Party to get an agreement on changing the Marriage Act. If Penny opposed that she'd just be marginalising herself like Malcolm Turnbull (also on Q & A) who lost the leadership by opposing his party on the ETS.

Mark Adnum

Mark Adnum said on the 26th Jul, 2010

^^^exactly - why on earth would she crucify herself on this?what never gets asked is what the gay lobby is offer PW for her support. Should she scuttle her Senate seat in exchange for a promise of being Vari-Lite 2IC at next year's Sleaze Ball? I should say not.

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 26th Jul, 2010

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 26th Jul, 2010

Great post diddums.
Im ambivalent about Mr Potato Head. I was waiting at a pedestrian crossing with him once. He was charming and disarming without even saying a word. A brain on legs.

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 26th Jul, 2010

Was he not just being Australian , real and populist? You should tryit some time:)

crazzymikey

crazzymikey said on the 26th Jul, 2010

bob brown doesn't want to get married himself, in fact he said that its too late for him and his partner and they are past that. But he is fighting for the right for his fellow queer and the younger generation. He believes in equality and getting rid of discrimination.

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 26th Jul, 2010

Yes, Bob is way cool and no bull shit. Bless

eurolad

eurolad said on the 26th Jul, 2010

She should resign and hang her head in shame because she has no dignity whatsoever.
I am very happy that her vile statements will soon appear on the gay media all over the globe and she will become the mockery of the world. I will be filled with joy and glee when that happens.

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 26th Jul, 2010

trina2004

trina2004 said on the 26th Jul, 2010

You don't justify haters ever! I wonder if you would be so lenient if she made the same comments about whites not being able to marry blacks. As far as I am concerned racist and homophobes should be paraded naked in public squares so that they lose whatever little dignity they might have.

and yes I am putting my health in danger by getting angry about all those small things, gonna get valium next time I go to see my doctor.

Penny Wong is not a hater. She's a lesbian, and in a relationship. Maybe she's just not as short sighted as you- to risk losing her senate seat fighting a lone battle that will have no results. She could go against her party, come out and say she's pro gay marriage, and then be banished from the political scene. She does more good where she is, as a visible reminder to the world that queer people exist.

Rudeboy doesn't support gay marriage. Does that make him a 'hater?'

You seem to hate Australians, judging by the way you call this country and 99.9% of the people in it 'wicked' and cunts.
So can we parade you naked in a public square? :rolleyes:

eurolad

eurolad said on the 26th Jul, 2010

^^^^How can I love a country which is against gay marriage, against euthanasia and against separation of church and state?

Those are my core values.

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 26th Jul, 2010

talkastro

talkastro said on the 26th Jul, 2010

Eurolad, just vote the greens. They agree with all those things.

Euthanasia is a no issue, as long as we have access to the internet uncensored, and Labor IS going to censor it as soon as they are back in power.

eurolad

eurolad said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Eurolad, just vote the greens. They agree with all those things.

Euthanasia is a no issue, as long as we have access to the internet uncensored, and Labor IS going to censor it as soon as they are back in power.

I will have to this time. No other choice really
How can people age peacefully knowing that euthanasia is not available to them
when they wish to end their lives?

Spooky

Spooky said on the 27th Jul, 2010

I wonder if one day that, you'll say that, you care
If you say you love me madly, I'll gladly, be there
Like a puppet on a string.

rudeboy86

rudeboy86 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Oh no don't pull an Arthur Calwell...

rudeboy86

rudeboy86 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Here's hoping he takes that valium half-a-pack at a time with a high-ball of vodka to wash it down. We might get some peace from him then.

rudeboy86

rudeboy86 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

I understand you're point rudeboy, but I also believe that my life partner should at least be able to do simple shit, like get my prescription filled, or come into the hospital ward should i have a fatal accident. unfortunately without a civil union (marriage... i dont want to really call it that, but whatever) most of the simplest things turn into drama. As for the relationship register... government sectors, and in fact everywhere DO NOT HAVE TO accept the registration as proof of de facto status, it's their prerogative as to whether or not they accept the registration...
I just want the piece of mind knowing that muki is benefactor of my will and that (should something happen) she'll get what i leave her and she'll be able to be comfortable, without too much of a power struggle over the will from opposing family...
rudeboy, i hope you can see it from my perspective as well, as i can understand yours too...
i just want the peace of mind that muki has some legal stand point in my life... and all these scenario's are visa versa, I love her with everything in my soul...

I understand where you are coming from however these privileges should not only extend to those who have signed a marriage contract. The institution's existence in this case is the problem.

Even if there is Gay marriage, what happens to couples or Poly-groups who want these privileges but don't want to marry as a matter of their own personal beliefs? Why deny them the right to have these privileges...this is why a more inclusive and flexible civil union framework would be a better model where all relationships be they hetero, non-hetero, monogamous and polyamorous have equal standing. This would have to mean that marriage becomes less relevant as it is merely a safeguard for monogamy.

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

LOL I think it was inevitable:) Best to get past it?

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

I wonder if one day that, you'll say that, you care
If you say you love me madly, I'll gladly, be there
Like a puppet on a string.
Miss Clark? Always appropriate :)

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Would that be lethal? Just hoping

rudeboy86

rudeboy86 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

^^^^How can I love a country which is against gay marriage, against euthanasia and against separation of church and state?

Those are my core values.

I was hoping you would say abortion so I could at least say that in your case it should have been made retrospective.

rudeboy86

rudeboy86 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

If the pills were of a 10mg dosage in a bottle of 100 then I would be compelled to say that half a bottle of the stuff could slip somebody into a coma and could be fatal if mixed with alcohol.

It is a barbiturate after all...an overdose from that looks nasty.

crazzymikey

crazzymikey said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Don't waste your time Rudeboy, Adnum has his head so far up her arse he can't see clearly.

BoneIdol

BoneIdol said on the 27th Jul, 2010

^^^ Given that we don't live in a real democracy then for me having police and camera around every corner sounds very much desirable.

If I cannot have my civil rights at least I can have security.

Right now I have neither.

The only security that having a camera on every corner gives you is a false sense of it.
Pervasive security cameras don't substantially reduce crime. This fact has been demonstrated repeatedly: in San Francisco public housing, in a New York apartment complex, in Philadelphia, in Washington, DC, in study after study in both the U.S. and the U.K. Nor are they instrumental in solving many crimes after the fact.

Mark Adnum

Mark Adnum said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Maybe you should take just one small step back. Is it really THAT bad?

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Barrin

Barrin said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Actually, it was Sandie Shaw.

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Opps. Ty for that:)

sputnik sweetheart

sputnik sweetheart said on the 27th Jul, 2010

I'm so disappointed that Penny Wong is being so spineless and hypocritical.

I almost felt sorry for her towards the end of qanda last night. She looked she was going to cry shame. Eat a dick Penny! How can you blatantly lie about your personal views to save your position with Labor??? I'm embarrassed for her.

BoneIdol

BoneIdol said on the 27th Jul, 2010

I'm so disappointed that Penny Wong is being so spineless and hypocritical.

I almost felt sorry for her towards the end of qanda last night. She looked she was going to cry shame. Eat a dick Penny! How can you blatantly lie about your personal views to save your position with Labor??? I'm embarrassed for her.

I also watched Penny Wong on Q&A last night. I dont think she is lying at all. I noticed when the gay white elephant came out that she defended her stance by declaring the legislation changes in regards to gay rights that she has succeeded in getting changed. I think its fantastic that she has achieved this however her stance on the governments view about historical, cultural and religious views being a reason for not allowing gay marriage is still unclear. I havent heard her say that she agrees nor have I heard her say she disagrees. Is she sitting on the fence with this? Its understandable that she doesnt just stand up aggressively against her party because as Graham Richardson said she is part of a caucus and to do so would be unwise. Its good that we have someone in there changing things. But if she does not agree with the discrimination that her party continues then she needs to make it known. Marriage will come with time. In the meantime its unwise for the gay community to harass Penny when she has done so much good.
Its not about her thinking only of her career. Its about how to handle the situation wisely so that she can continue making changes. As a member of a party she cannot just waltz in and demand things. The people being so vile and aggressive towards her need to check themselves. What have you done for gay rights??

Barrin

Barrin said on the 27th Jul, 2010

^^^ Well said. Penny still has her job as Minister for climate change whereas fellow Q & A panelist, Malcolm Turnbull, lost his for holding a different view on party policy. I can't believe how petty minded some people are being. They expect Penny to risk her parliamentary career because some of us are deluded enough to think marriage equals equality?

eurolad

eurolad said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Yeah right, in 50 years perhaps?
To think that anything is going to change with our political landscape
is not being naive but rather completely delusional

I am not interested in gay marriage when I am 70 years old. It's now or never.

eurolad

eurolad said on the 27th Jul, 2010

What changes did she make? Please don't make it sound like she is an heroin standing up for gay rights because she never cared and never will.

If she is so passionate about gay rights then why doesn't she do anything about the fact that we still don't have federal anti discrimination laws covering sexual orientation or how she supports religions being able to discriminate against gays despite receiving government money?

She is just filth.

BoneIdol

BoneIdol said on the 27th Jul, 2010

What changes did she make? Please don't make it sound like she is an heroin standing up for gay rights because she never cared and never will.

If she is so passionate about gay rights then why doesn't she do anything about the fact that we still don't have federal anti discrimination laws covering sexual orientation or how she supports religions being able to discriminate against gays despite receiving government money?

She is just filth.

Again what have you done for the cause?

How can anyone be surprised. Your principles and convictions must be left outside if you are an ALP parliamentarian. You are told what to think, say, pretend to believe in. You will be subjected to automatic dismissal from the party if you don't vote how you are told to.
This union dominated psych is deeply entrenched in a 'Dont do as you think, do as I say'. Penny Wong is a classic party-liner whose 'beliefs' are what the spin-doctors direct.

rudeboy86

rudeboy86 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

There is a concept in the ALP known as cabinet solidarity which means that the cabinet has to remain unanimous regardless of what some ministers may think. If the majority of the cabinet thinks one way then the rest have to go with it under the democratic guise of majority rules otherwise they pretty much have to step down from their position. Also, technically a minister from one portfolio cannot make comments on another minister's portfolio.

Not taking her side I am merely stating the facts here.

eurolad

eurolad said on the 27th Jul, 2010

You are told what to think, say, pretend to believe in. You will be subjected to automatic dismissal from the party if you don't vote how you are told to.
This union dominated psych is deeply entrenched in a 'Dont do as you think, do as I say'. Penny Wong is a classic party-liner whose 'beliefs' are what the spin-doctors direct.

They can kick you out from the party, but not from parliament you know....
She would still be able to sit in parliament for the remaining term and condemn
and expose their wicked agenda so at least the public would know what we are dealing
with... Any decent human being would love to be in such a position, but of course Ms Penny only cares about her future. I hope she loses her seat anyway.

rudeboy86

rudeboy86 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Bullshit the only union influence in the ALP is those who were union bosses but are now MPs in the ALP. There is no influence from the rank-and-file union members in the Party so it is misrepresentative to say that the unions run the Labor Party.

Simon Crean dropped them off the Party's agenda when he was in charge of the federal Labor opposition.

Their stance on the ABCC merely reinforces their lack of a close relationship with the rank-and-file of the unions which by the way pay the fees to keep the executives paid and I can assure you the larger unions like the SDA, NUW and AWU have fuck all contact with their members and are completely out of touch but will then go to speak on behalf of their membership when they push their agenda as Labor Party MPs. Don't you find it funny how Greg Combet gets into the party and then pieces of Howard Era IR legislation still remain like the ABCC.

saltb said on the 27th Jul, 2010

trina2004

trina2004 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

^^^^How can I love a country which is against gay marriage, against euthanasia and against separation of church and state?

Those are my core values.

I didn't say you had to love it. It just seem like the only emotion you understand is hate. You hate Penny Wong because she won't come out and spew gay platitudes, you hate Australia because you percieve it as lacking compared to some countries in Europe...I just feel like you waste a lot of energy.

And if you reply to this pointing out that you have a personality disorder again then, just so you know, just to save you the time, this is my response: :rolleyes:

I don't understand your last point though...the church doesn't run the state in Australia.

crazzymikey

crazzymikey said on the 27th Jul, 2010

At the very least she could follow her party and atleast say in public that she personally feels a ceratin way differently. Instead she has made the fight that much harder by reinforcing ideas that australia isn't ready and it is a cultural and religious issue that can't be changed.

Change only came from people risking their jobs and their security fighting for those rights we have now. Yes she may have risked her position if she spoke out for it, but think of the power of that action. She is a gutless wonder.

Like Euro said we don't want to be 70years old when marriage is legal. Things wont change at this rate unless some aggressive action by members of the government are taken here and now. To sit back and allow discrimination to occur is low and to speak in support of it is even lower.

Anyone who is like this deserves to be getting negative attention and I don't care what their reasons are. She is a c0mplete sell out. After hearing her speak I think she is smug bitch.

Anthony Mahera

Anthony Mahera said on the 27th Jul, 2010

What she is really saying is " I want to keep my job with the rest of the boy's, I'll bend over and take it cause that's what I'm told to do".

zebra-stripes said on the 27th Jul, 2010

This is why I think Aussie politics is jarring

The media is frenzied and ridiculous

One out of line comment and it becomes headline news

We have a great political system, but the media is turning it into a rodeo, and politicians spend more time and energy handling it than they do on anything else.

Barrin

Barrin said on the 27th Jul, 2010

The ALP is not prepared to grant same sex marriage. Penny Wong is not the ALP, just one member. Why is that so hard to grasp? It's like someone from another country blaming us, the electorate, for not voting in governments that give us exactly what we want. Politics simply doesn't work like that.

trina2004

trina2004 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

What changes did she make? Please don't make it sound like she is an heroin standing up for gay rights because she never cared and never will.

If she is so passionate about gay rights then why doesn't she do anything about the fact that we still don't have federal anti discrimination laws covering sexual orientation or how she supports religions being able to discriminate against gays despite receiving government money?

She is just filth.

over 100 laws that discriminated against gay couples were changed in the last 5 years Euro. nothing happens overnight.

eurolad

eurolad said on the 27th Jul, 2010

things do happen overnight my dear. Iceland legalized gay marriage in less than a few hours and with unanimous support from all parties.

Barrin

Barrin said on the 27th Jul, 2010

A few hours of what? :confused:

crazzymikey

crazzymikey said on the 27th Jul, 2010

and his is why I am not voting for them, and I implore every GBLT person to vote for the greens. They are also putting off any real action on climate change as well. Lets hope a stronger greens support will bring some sanity into our rat bag government.
Someone who is willing to put it all on the line for what is right like Bob Brown is someone worth supporting.

eurolad

eurolad said on the 27th Jul, 2010

A few hours of debate, which is the standard time for any act
as opposed to 6 years of debate here and still no outcome.

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

This is why I think Aussie politics is jarring

The media is frenzied and ridiculous

One out of line comment and it becomes headline news

We have a great political system, but the media is turning it into a rodeo, and politicians spend more time and energy handling it than they do on anything else.

No different from USA or UK etc ?

eurolad

eurolad said on the 27th Jul, 2010

We have a great political system, but the media is turning it into a rodeo, and politicians spend more time and energy handling it than they do on anything else.

Are you delusional? What is exactly great about about our political system?
I can find you 1.000.000 wrong things with our wicked current system, but I will just list a couple...

1) Would be members of parliament are selected by party hacks rather than by direct vote which is standard procedure in many countries where all registered members of a political party vote on the potential candidates who should contest the election

2) This preference bullshit is just appalling as it means that either Labour or Liberals will run the government no matter what, even if they had "shooting people" as a policy there is nothing you can do about it.

3) Given that Labour and Liberals don't have to worry about losing their job given that they will have their seats in parliament for decades nothing is every done about the infrastructure of this country and that is why we still have SHIT INTERNET SPEEDS, SHIT PUBLIC TRANSPORT, Etc

So please don't delude yourself. We have one of the worst political systems.
Even a police state like Singapore runs things more efficiently than us.

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Australia is a continent with only 22 million with many ports. It is very difficult to provide first class infrastructure for all and to see a return on investment. Singapore is tiny Island with only one port. Singapore has also be been characterised as a bit of a police state. I don't think gays are very free or public there?

The STA does need a shake up. I would love to see billions spent on public transport here not on those f'ing toll roads.

Our political system works fine. It has evolved over centuries and withstood wars, recessions, all points of views. I think we need our own head of state though :)

Barrin

Barrin said on the 27th Jul, 2010

A few hours of debate, which is the standard time for any act
as opposed to 6 years of debate here and still no outcome.

A few hours? You are a funny one. The debate is separate from the actual policy, it's presentation and approval.

"On 18 November 2009, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Ragna Árnadóttir, confirmed that the Icelandic Government was working on a "single marriage act" which would include both opposite-sex and same-sex couples. On 23 March 2010, the Government presented a bill to repeal the registered partnership law and allow couples to marry regardless of gender. On 11 June 2010 the Icelandic Parliament approved the bill 49 to 0, with 14 abstentions. The law took effect on 27 June 2010."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_in_Iceland

trina2004

trina2004 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Barrin

Barrin said on the 27th Jul, 2010

He seems to forget this is the internet and we can always check these claims.
Now.... let's just see what's so attractive about Singapore:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/440540/1/.html

trina2004

trina2004 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Are you delusional? What is exactly great about about our political system?
I can find you 1.000.000 wrong things with our wicked current system, but I will just list a couple...

2) This preference bullshit is just appalling as it means that either Labour or Liberals will run the government no matter what, even if they had "shooting people" as a policy there is nothing you can do about it.

So please don't delude yourself. We have one of the worst political systems.
Even a police state like Singapore runs things more efficiently than us.

It is your choice where you put your preferences hun. If you get lazy and follow your 'how-to-vote' card don't come crying about a corrupt system.

You may like 'efficiency' but do you also like freedom of expression? Singapore is a heavily insular, pro-censorship place and if you criticised it like you do Australia you would find yourself in hot water.

Here's an article for you Euro: http://www.samesame.com.au/features/5676/How-would-the-Labor-Cabinet-vote-on-gay-marriage-if-it-had-the-chance.htm

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

http://www.samesame.com.au/features/5676/How-would-the-Labor-Cabinet-vote-on-gay-marriage-if-it-had-the-chance.etm

Yes, I think its a great article.

eurolad

eurolad said on the 27th Jul, 2010

It is your choice where you put your preferences hun. If you get lazy and follow your 'how-to-vote' card don't come crying about a corrupt system.

You may like 'efficiency' but do you also like freedom of expression? Singapore is a heavily insular, pro-censorship place and if you criticised it like you do Australia you would find yourself in hot water.

Preferences are BLOODY USELESS because no matter how you vote you will always end up with either Labor or Liberal running the show, not to mention that it's an impractical system which FORCES people not to vote under the line as that would take half an hour for each person voting, Imagine if everyone voted that way - election centres would have to be open for a month to cater for everyone

With the current system in place there is no accountability. Countries like Denmark and Holland on the other hand have a much better voting system where there are multiple major parties and any of them has an equal chance of forming a government. Should they do a bad job, then their party can be literally decimated at the next election like it has happened several times.

cilipadi

cilipadi said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Change only came from people risking their jobs and their security fighting for those rights we have now. Yes she may have risked her position if she spoke out for it, but think of the power of that action. She is a gutless wonder.

I think that's easy to say when it is not your job that would be at risk.

I don't really understand what people expect her to do. She can't single-handedly change the ALP's policy, and by publicly opposing it she would gain nothing, and possibly lose the chance to work for a change of policy.

Moreover, I don't believe that she has gone into politics with the agenda of working for gay rights. She does not purport to be a queer activist. Why should she be judged by us as responsible for the ALP's failure to introduce gay marriage?

By virtue of being a lesbian in public office, she seems to be expected to take up the cudgel on our behalf, even if that is not her inclination nor her motivation for being in politics. We don't place such onerous expectations on straight politicians. I wish people would try to be more understanding, and less self-righteous.

ammonite

ammonite said on the 27th Jul, 2010

if i was her i'd be doing the same thing
if i was out at all

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

I think that's easy to say when it is not your job that would be at risk.

I don't really understand what people expect her to do. She can't single-handedly change the ALP's policy, and by publicly opposing it she would gain nothing, and possibly lose the chance to work for a change of policy.

Moreover, I don't believe that she has gone into politics with the agenda of working for gay rights. She does not purport to be a queer activist. Why should she be judged by us as responsible for the ALP's failure to introduce gay marriage?

By virtue of being a lesbian in public office, she seems to be expected to take up the cudgel on our behalf, even if that is not her inclination nor her motivation for being in politics. We don't place such onerous expectations on straight politicians. I wish people would try to be more understanding, and less self-righteous.
I agree diddums. She's politician and must play the game.

BoneIdol

BoneIdol said on the 27th Jul, 2010

She is a christian according to wikipedia. Perhaps she is internally conflicted.

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 27th Jul, 2010

I'm internally conflicted and a human too, apparently:) Politics is about negotiation, I tell you.

eurolad

eurolad said on the 27th Jul, 2010

Of course. Growing up in a fucked up country like Malaysia would make anyone conflicted.

zebra-stripes said on the 27th Jul, 2010

so much negative thought

trina2004

trina2004 said on the 28th Jul, 2010

Preferences are BLOODY USELESS because no matter how you vote you will always end up with either Labor or Liberal running the show, not to mention that it's an impractical system which FORCES people not to vote under the line as that would take half an hour for each person voting, Imagine if everyone voted that way - election centres would have to be open for a month to cater for everyone

With the current system in place there is no accountability. Countries like Denmark and Holland on the other hand have a much better voting system where there are multiple major parties and any of them has an equal chance of forming a government. Should they do a bad job, then their party can be literally decimated at the next election like it has happened several times.

It is possible for other parties to win. Hasn't happened, but under our system, totally possible. Enough people vote 1 Greens and they win government. That's how it works. I doubt it will happen anytime in the near future as there are no real parties that compete with the Liberals and Labor in terms of broad campaigning, (most alt political parties are single issue, or are percieved as being so) but it could.

I think you misunderstand the meaning of the word FORCE. If you can't be bothered to take the time to vote properly, how is that the fault of the world? There is no time limit on how long you can stay in the booth voting.

So you are pro Singapore but anti Malaysia?
I think you just throw your venom at whatever suits your argument at the time.
And she hardly 'grew up" in Malaysia. She moved here when she was 8.

eurolad

eurolad said on the 28th Jul, 2010

So you are pro Singapore but anti Malaysia?
I think you just throw your venom at whatever suits your argument at the time.
And she hardly 'grew up" in Malaysia. She moved here when she was 8.

Singapore hasn't bothered gays in over a decade despite being illegal on the books
Malaysia on the other hand is a wicked country which not only harass gay people but
they also harass straight people by raiding hotels, private parties and throwing people into jail for moral offences.

zebra-stripes said on the 28th Jul, 2010

1) Would be members of parliament are selected by party hacks [.....]
2) This preference bullshit is just appalling [.....]
3) [...] SHIT INTERNET SPEEDS, SHIT PUBLIC TRANSPORT, Etc
So please don't delude yourself.

All these things are being debated.

Randomly swap places with anyone on the planet and chances are you wouldn't even have visibility of such issues and worse.

Don't delude yourself into thinking you're as bad off as all that. More likely you are living in a country that has more to offer than the great majority and you, not having the gumption to make good of it, choose to be overly bitter an negative.

trina2004

trina2004 said on the 28th Jul, 2010

Singapore hasn't bothered gays in over a decade despite being illegal on the books
Malaysia on the other hand is a wicked country which not only harass gay people but
they also harass straight people by raiding hotels, private parties and throwing people into jail for moral offences.

*sigh*

Euro, I'm not interesting in defending Malaysia's virtue, but considering how uptight you get about living here, with its "terrible" record on gay rights, I find it suprising you like Singapore better, with its whole "being gay is evil" stance.

and you really need a new adjective.

eurolad

eurolad said on the 28th Jul, 2010

*sigh*

Euro, I'm not interesting in defending Malaysia's virtue, but considering how uptight you get about living here, with its "terrible" record on gay rights, I find it suprising you like Singapore better, with its whole "being gay is evil" stance.

and you really need a new adjective.

I actually don't like either country as they have awful hot weather all year around
while I like snowy cold climates.

I will go to buy a thesaurus today so I can find myself a new word to use ;)

rudeboy86

rudeboy86 said on the 28th Jul, 2010

while I like snowy cold climates.

If you like snowy places I can only suggest a Siberian Gulag for you... it gets nice and cold over there... should match your personality quite well, cold, harsh, unreasonable and unforgiving.

https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/citd/RussianHeritage/10.EMP/SCMEDIA/LincolnGulag.gif

sputnik sweetheart

sputnik sweetheart said on the 28th Jul, 2010

I like you rudeboy! You should come and hang out with us in the Ladies Lounge.

rudeboy86

rudeboy86 said on the 28th Jul, 2010

Holy shit is that a written invitation??? :eek:

As long as there is consensus within the Ladies Lounge in favour of this...

sputnik sweetheart

sputnik sweetheart said on the 28th Jul, 2010

Holy shit is that a written invitation??? :eek:

As long as there is consensus within the Ladies Lounge in favour of this...

Light-Bearer and a few other boys come and talk to us sometimes. There is no girls only rule!
;)

rudeboy86

rudeboy86 said on the 28th Jul, 2010

Light-Bearer and a few other boys come and talk to us sometimes. There is no girls only rule!
;)

Oh cool...see you in a sec then lol...

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 28th Jul, 2010

I actually don't like either country as they have awful hot weather all year around
while I like snowy cold climates.

I will go to buy a thesaurus today so I can find myself a new word to use ;)
Whinging pommie twit:)

eurolad

eurolad said on the 28th Jul, 2010

If you like snowy places I can only suggest a Siberian Gulag for you... it gets nice and cold over there... should match your personality quite well, cold, harsh, unreasonable and unforgiving.

https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/citd/RussianHeritage/10.EMP/SCMEDIA/LincolnGulag.gif

Climate wise it would perfect for me, however I would never live in Russia one of the biggest violators of human rights of the 21st century. What Putin did to Georgia was despicable and countries like France and Germany should be ashamed of themselves for supporting the Russian regime.

About my personality, it's all part of my disorders
I think I am a very nice person overall.

rudeboy86

rudeboy86 said on the 28th Jul, 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8E_zMLCRNg

david_margeaux

david_margeaux said on the 28th Jul, 2010

The issue with Penny's statements thus far on Gay Marriage is that she's now given the impression that she doesn't support it. Even if she acknowledged that yes, she would love for Gay Marriage to become legal but it will take time and hard work that she is prepared to do to support it, I doubt whether there would've been much if any media stories. She's let the community down by not at least standing up and being counted.

Peter Hairsuite

Peter Hairsuite said on the 30th Jul, 2010

Just seen the latest QNews with a big full page add on the back by Jooolia about mooooving forward and everything the "Gillard Labor Government" has done to remove discrimination!

Which ever party wins in August I think we will all be losers

rudeboy86

rudeboy86 said on the 30th Jul, 2010

Which ever party wins in August I think we will all be losers

Yeah that's always my view...doesn't matter who you vote for, government power wins. It might be horrible to suffer the leaders but it is just plain out shit to have to choose between the bastards every few years.

JayTee

JayTee said on the 30th Jul, 2010

Legislation doesn't change shit, society needs to evolve in order to rid itself of Queerphobia and other hatred.

But legislation HELPS society on it's way.

People look up to their leaders and slowly people "get with the program".

It's happened that way with discrimination legislation in regards to gender and ethnicity.

same thing will happen with this.

People who are opposed to gay marriage will just get used to it once it's passed into law because they'll see the sky hasn't fallen in.

But that kind of history demands LEADERSHIP. which we are not getting from the ALP at the moment. They are just power hungry and looking to stay in office.

At least in 07 they had WorkChoices to really fight against and we saw some passion in the election.

Pudsey

Pudsey said on the 30th Jul, 2010

SSO front cover attack on Penny Wong is an example of bad journalism fuelled by a personal dislike rather than biased journalism: Written in her defence - http://macarthursmutterings.wordpress.com/

Barrin

Barrin said on the 30th Jul, 2010

Great article, but see if this link works: http://macarthursmutterings.wordpress.com/

I've written to the SSO too, hope they publish it and ruffle a few pro-marriage feathers.

BoneIdol

BoneIdol said on the 30th Jul, 2010

But that kind of history demands LEADERSHIP. which we are not getting from the ALP at the moment. They are just power hungry and looking to stay in office.

At least in 07 they had WorkChoices to really fight against and we saw some passion in the election.

Thats all either side ever does. They really are like a pack of stupid school kids. "but he did this and she did that" etc. Its embarrassing but alas they suffer from delusions of grandeur as usual and so they are oblivious of just how pathetic they look.
As far as work choices goes. That was nothing but a fear campaign. It most certainly wasnt good politics.

chad_74 said on the 30th Jul, 2010

Just who is labor governing for? Gillard had the perfect opportunity to call a referendum on issues at this election yet chose not to and assume because people vote for her she has been given a mandate.Labor obviously is still in the wilderness.
Why would julia not give Australia a voice.

blaah said on the 1st Aug, 2010

Thats all either side ever does. They really are like a pack of stupid school kids. "but he did this and she did that" etc. Its embarrassing but alas they suffer from delusions of grandeur as usual and so they are oblivious of just how pathetic they look.
As far as work choices goes. That was nothing but a fear campaign. It most certainly wasnt good politics.

1. The fear was well founded. Maybe you were'nt in the workforce at the time, but under workchoices many people lost penalty rates, overtime, were sacked with no redress the list goes on and its shown on the public record.

2. It was'nt good for Howard, but he pushed it and ended up losing Govt. and his own seat.

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 1st Aug, 2010

All these 'new' faces.
Thanks for that I read your link. OMG is SS partial in anyway?
Wong is OK. Its much better to have openly gay pollies than not.

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 1st Aug, 2010

Just who is labor governing for? Gillard had the perfect opportunity to call a referendum on issues at this election yet chose not to and assume because people vote for her she has been given a mandate.Labor obviously is still in the wilderness.
Why would julia not give Australia a voice.
A referendum on what? What if 'we' don't like like the outcome? What if the electorate is not 'ready' ?

Brightside05 said on the 1st Aug, 2010

I've seen closeted people more open than Wong.

crazzymikey

crazzymikey said on the 1st Aug, 2010

[HTML]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9hM--P_9BQ[/HTML]

crazzymikey

crazzymikey said on the 1st Aug, 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9hM--P_9BQ

badamj2000

badamj2000 said on the 1st Aug, 2010

Nonsense. We all know Wong is a muncher.No one knows what closeted folk do. We can not judge the closeted.
Anyway , she is senator first , and coincidently a lezbo second. Did she become a senator due to a g/l vote? No. She is NOT our enemy. She is on our side, be patient. Its not like she is catholic zealot , or family first person. Its political inexpedient to attack her.

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