Former prime minister Kevin Rudd backs same-sex marriage in blog

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd has declared he has changed his mind on same-sex marriage and thrown his support behind it.

In a lengthy blog posted on his website, Mr Rudd explains why he has reversed his opposition to gay marriage.

Mr Rudd says he has reflected on the issue for a long period of time and had many conversations with family, friends and colleagues, recounting a recent one with a gay former staffer.

"I believe the secular Australian state should be able to recognise same-sex marriage," Mr Rudd said in the blog post.

"For me, this change in position has come about as a result of a lot of reflection, over a long period of time, including conversations with good people grappling with deep questions of life, sexuality and faith."

He concluded that while the church and the state could have different positions and practices on same-sex marriage, legislation should not place any requirement on religious institutions to conduct same-sex marriages.

Mr Rudd, who is a Christian, says the issue has been a "difficult personal journey" but came down to a matter of conscience.

"I have tried in good conscience to deal with the ethical fundamentals of the issue and reach an ethical conclusion," he said.

"My core interest is to be clear-cut about the change in my position locally on this highly controversial issue before the next election, so that my constituents are fully aware of my position when they next visit the ballot box."

He says he is aware his opponents within and beyond the Labor party could read political significance into his reversed position, but denounced any national leadership role on the issue.

Mr Rudd's newfound support puts him at odds with the Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who opposes same-sex marriage.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says the leaders of both major parties are out of step with the community in their opposition to same-sex marriage.

"Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott are looking more and more isolated on this issue even within their own parties," she said.

"They are both standing on the wrong side of history.

"They're blocking the inevitable, they're stubborn about it, we need to see them evolve."

Mr Rudd also used the blog to urge the Coalition to follow Labor's lead and grant MPs a conscience vote on the matter in parliament.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-20/former-pm-kevin-rudd-backs-same-sex-marria...

Poor ol' Elmer is feeling lonely on the backbenches and needs some attention...

Perhaps an adaptation of King Lear, with ex-King Elmer sitting alone and muttering about sharp serpents' teeth and ungrateful protégés.

But who would be Cordelia, or Goneril, or Regan?

____ wrote on May 21^st, 2013 at 4:59am:


The slimmy litlle low labor Bastard.

Sir Spot of Borg wrote on May 21^st, 2013 at 7:58am:


Spot of Borg

Being non-religious the issue looks bigger to me, why does the government need to know if I am married or not ?

We already have de-facto laws that undermine marriage so why not just get rid of the marriage act altogether ?

The only point we need to examine two peoples relationship is in a separation situation where kids are involved and law is required.

Other than that, it is no ones business who I choose to live with or how many.

RightSadFred wrote on May 21^st, 2013 at 8:38am:




it does seem very old hat now doesnt it......its just a way of keeping records and keeping track of us..now we have the mobil...

look at the money involved with a marriage these days. its huge business I bet they cant wait for this to become legal...aint that a fact 

john_g wrote on May 21^st, 2013 at 9:41am:



NO!NO!NO!

Elmer will never lead the ALP again.

He said so.

And he is a man of principle.

Isn't  he?

John Smith wrote on May 21^st, 2013 at 8:41am:


John Smith

Sorry I missed the guy holding a gun to Rudd's head. Does he appear when you put your tin foil hat on ?