Kevin Rudd’s influence on the issue of same-sex marriage will be greatest among people of faith. Photo: Glenn Hunt
The importance of Kevin Rudd’s change of heart on marriage equality can’t be overestimated.
The former prime minister remains an influential political figure with significant support in the ALP.
It is inevitable that his public ”coming out” as a marriage equality supporter will prompt other MPs to do the same.
Rudd stirs marriage debate
Kevin Rudd’s shift to support same-sex marriage has intensified debate on the issue and forced party leaders to re-state their opposition.
Already, another former Labor frontbencher, Joel Fitzgibbon, has indicated he may change his mind on the issue.
Other MPs teetering on the edge of supporting marriage equality will also be inspired to follow Rudd.
But where Rudd’s influence will be greatest is among people of faith.
When he was prime minister, Rudd made much of his Christian values and their influence on his politics.
He remains one of Australia’s most prominent Christian politicians and Christian public intellectuals.
Rudd has immense credit with many people of faith who remain conflicted about marriage equality.
There is great value in his message that Christians should neither be forced to recognise same-sex marriages, nor should they force their values on others through civil law.
But his most important message to people of faith is that they can support marriage equality not despite their faith but because of it.
The story of how Kevin Rudd came to support marriage equality – through a conversation with a former staffer and fellow Christian who is gay and wants to marry – is also important.
It is a reminder that many gay people support marriage equality not just because they desire legal equality, but because they value marriage, family and faith.
It is also a reminder that ultimately what drives the marriage equality is not politics or policy but the deeply personal stories of those who are affected by exclusion.
Inevitably, there will be cynicism about Rudd’s change of heart and the timing of his announcement, including among supporters of marriage equality who believe it should have happened when he was prime minister.
It’s undeniable that Rudd’s announcement has political implications.
His support for marriage equality differentiates him from both Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Tony Abbott.
Both Gillard the atheist and Abbott the Christian now have one less excuse for their opposition to change.
But I urge those who dismiss Kevin Rudd’s conversion as mere posturing to adopt a more generous attitude.
There are still many older, socially conservative, religious and rural Australians who are conflicted about marriage equality.
Their support will be crucial to achieving reform, especially when it comes to convincing the Coalition to allow a conscience vote.
Embracing Kevin Rudd’s change of heart sends them the message that their evolution on the issue is welcomed too.
Negating Rudd’s announcement says to them they will be judged harshly whatever position they adopt, providing them with no incentive to change.
Marriage equality is not a symbol of some people’s moral superiority over others.
If anything, it is a symbol of the journey the entire nation is on towards greater equality and inclusion.
Historians will look back on Kevin Rudd’s support for marriage equality as one of the most important steps in that journey.
Rodney Croome is the national convener of Australian Marriage Equality.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: The Sydney Morning Herald
Publication Date: May 21 2013