Turnbull’s absence causes ire
Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull did not turn up to speak during the same-sex debate in Parliament this week despite it being held over three days.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland said he accepted Turnbull’s previous claims of support for the removal of discrimination as “genuine”, but was concerned the Opposition was qualifying that position with “so called drafting issues”.
“I’m a bit disappointed that the Liberal leader did not see this bill as being important enough for him to participate in the debate in the chamber to suppor the fundamentals of the legislation and counter some of the more extreme views that some of his colleagues expressed during the debate,” McClelland said earlier today.
The views in contention are those of Liberal backbencher Stuart Robert, who attacked gay parenting yesterday.
“[This bill] has moved past its stated intent of property and financial justice and seeks to make the lifestyle coice of homosexuality equal to the time-honoured mum and dad as the basis of parenthood. This is something I do not agree with,” Robert told Parliament.
“Many single mums and dads in this nation do an outstanding job and they all are to be commended. Yet, despite it all, children ostensibly need a mum and a dad.”
He referred to a study of same-sex marriages in Norway and Sweden to suggest homosexual relationships are less stable.
“The kind of prejudice expressed by Mr Robert harms the children of same-sex couples by inciting discrimination and bullying against them”, Australian Coalition for Equality lobbyist Rodney Croome hit back.
“We invite him to to meet some two-mum and two-dad families so he can see for himself that they are as happy and healthy as other families.”
The research cited by Robert was out of date and irrelevant to Australia, Croome said.
ACE was also upset at Malcolm Turnbull’s absence during the debate.
“Mr Turnbull’s silence in the face of discriminatory attitudes from other Liberals like Stuart Roberts, sends out the message that prejudice still heavily influences Opposition policy,” ACE spokesman Corey Irlam said.
The Rudd Government’s last equality bill, which covers a range of federal areas as well as recognising state and territory registered relationships, pass the lower house earlier this morning. The bill will still be considered by a committee before the final Senate vote.
Give him a break! Hes not that bad.
It is interesting that the basis of their argument is that gay and lesbian relationships are not stable. However, liberal politicians are not willing to make some crucial reforms that may encourage the longevity of gay and lesbian relationships.
Yeah, and where’s Kevin Rudd while these negotiations are going on? Swanning it off at Scores in New York. There are just as many homophobes in the Labor Right.
Turnbull shows his true colours…he plays lip service to the gay and lesbian community..its the same old homophobic liberal party after all.
Well suprise suprise, I dont know why so many gays and lesbians cant see the forest from the trees when it comes to homophobia and the Liberal party.