Gay Australian Cabinet Minister does not Support Gay Marriage

July 29, 2010

An Australian cabinet minister – who is openly gay – has said that while she has experienced hurdles in her career being both Asian and lesbian, she in fact does not support gay marriage.

Penny Wong

"By virtue of who I am, prejudice and discrimination are things I have firsthand knowledge of,” said Penny Wong, climate change minister speaking to Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
 

"When I entered the parliament, I did actually think very carefully about how to handle being Asian and gay and in the parliament, because it hadn't been done before."
 

She dodged the topic of gay marriage.
 

"I appreciate your interest, but I'm here today to talk about using water wisely here in Western Australia."

She gave a different response when Channel Ten television raised the topic.

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

"The party's position is very clear and that is an institution between a man, a woman,” she said. "I do respect the fact that's how people view the institution."

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