Australian Election Deadlock and No Gay Marriage in Sight

August 25, 2010

While Australia’s election ended in a deadlock leaving the future of political power uncertain, one thing is for sure: the top two candidates for the presidency do not support gay marriage.

Prime minister Julia Gillard and her opponent, Liberal Party leader Tony Abbott, last week restated their views on the hot topic issue of same-sex marriage during a debate.

Parts of Australia have legalized civil unions. Gay rights advocates argue that polls show that most Australians support gay marriage.

Saturday’s election resulted in no clear winner.

Speaking to the Australian newspaper two weeks ago, Gillard, a self-confessed atheist, said she rejects gay marriage out of respect for the country’s Christian heritage.

"My position is – and it's the Labor Party's position – that for this nation, with our heritage as a Christian country, with what's defined us and continues to define us, the Marriage Act has a special status in our culture and for our community. My position appreciates that," she said.

In March, Abbott, whose party is considered right-of-center, said he found homosexuality to be threatening. He later retracted his comments. During the debate he said he will "always find it in my heart to treat people the way everyone should be treated – with dignity and respect".

Peter Furness attacked Gillard’s remark on the country’s Christian heritage, pointing out that several countries with a longer Christian heritage than Australia’s have already legalized same-sex marriage.

"We demand to know how far Gillard will go in the name of our 'Christian heritage' – will she outlaw divorce and interracial marriages, recriminalise homosexuality and abortion, suppress atheism, and remove herself and all other women from leadership roles?"

Image author: Adam Carr