Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett is now an advocate for same-sex marriage.
It’s a shame same-sex legislation has not yet been passed in Australia, writes Natasha Stott-Despoja.
IN coming weeks, the Federal Parliament will debate MP Adam Bandt’s Bill on same-sex marriage. Essentially, it is the legislation introduced and co-authored by my former colleague Senator Andrew Bartlett and me in 2006.
However, when we introduced Australia’s first same-sex legislation, support was shaky at best. Now we have legislation in most jurisdictions and there have been debates and votes (albeit unsuccessful) in the Federal Parliament. It is a crying shame legislation has not been passed.
In South Australia, MLC Tammy Franks’s Bill will be debated soon. Opposition Leader Steven Marshall has been upfront about his support, but equally forthright about not allowing a conscience vote for his colleagues on the matter.
In this and other ways, he is seen to emulate his federal leader, Tony Abbott. Mr Marshall is treading a wary path in step with his federal colleagues on a range of matters.
However, recent speculation also suggests that Mr Abbott, in spite of his own views, will allow a conscience vote on the issue of same-sex marriage should he get elected. Such a stance could see this legislation passed but, shamefully, later than need be.
Last week, former prime minister Kevin Rudd outlined his changed position on this issue. “I believe the secular Australian state should be able to recognise same-sex marriage,” he said. He also called for “civility” on the issue.
Critics were sceptical of his changed position, arguing that he was sniffing the wind or deliberately making waves so as to have another tilt at the leadership.
Whether or not he gets his own float at Mardi Gras is yet to be seen, but a float featuring those socially conservative people who have changed their minds could see a host of impressive names.
Former Victorian premier and beyondblue chair, Jeff Kennett, is now an advocate for same-sex marriage and has given one of the best speeches on the topic I have heard from a former MP.
Conservative leaders around the world, including New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and the United Kingdom’s Tory Prime Minister David Cameron might also add flair.
We used to giggle that the motto of the Democrats’ Mardi Gras float was “Keeping them glamorous” (as opposed to our well-known motto of “Keeping them honest”), especially when many of us were known for conforming to the socks and sandal-wearing environmentalist stereotype.
But, as on so many things, that party – which served the nation so well for more than three decades – led the way on issues of equality and none more so than when it came to same-sex relationships.
Our efforts to change minds and hearts on this issue have gone some way to help form the political landscape that surrounds us today.
I am saddened, however, that we are now falling behind other nations when it comes to same-sex marriage recognition.
When the Kennetts and Rudds and others of the world can change their minds, maybe it is time for Prime Minister Julia Gillard to change hers?
I think it is better a late convert to an issue of principle than resolutely adhering to a position for fear of appearing inconsistent.
Sunday night’s ABC documentary on the Whitlam era reminds us of “It’s time”. Same-sex marriage is an issue whose time has come.
Photo: Daid Caird
Author: Natasha Stott-Despoja
Publication: Adelaide Now
Publication Date: May 27 2013