 Marriage equality advocates have welcomed support for same-sex marriage from new NSW State Labor leader, John Robertson, and have called on Mr Robertson to tell the Prime Minister his personal story about being the father of a gay son who is denied equal rights.
Yesterday, on the ABC’s Insiders program Mr Robertson said “I have a son who’s openly gay. Obviously I think he is a wonderful person…who can make a contribution to society. He’s bright, he’s intelligent. And to be blunt I think people should have the same rights.” Australian Marriage Equality National Convener, Alex Greenwich, welcomed Mr Robertson’s comments and urged him to help show Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, the “human face” equality. “We urge John Robertson to explain to Julia Gillard why he supports marriage equality so she can see this issue is not about politics or policies but about people.”, Mr Greenwich said. “Personal stories can make all the difference.” Mr Robertson joins Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh, and Tasmanian Premier, Lara Giddings, as the third state Labor leader to support marriage equality. Prime Minister Gillard has repeatedly says she opposes marriage equality out of respect for “tradition”, even though is she is an atheist who is in an unmarried and childless relationship, and is Australia’s first female Prime Minister. The Labor Party will consider the issue of marriage equality at its national conference later this year. Extract from Insiders included below. For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335. http://www.abc.net.au/insiders/content/2011/s3180860.htm BARRIE CASSIDY: Just a couple of quick questions and quick answers. Gay marriages? JOHN ROBERTSON: Look it’s a federal issue. And I have a son who’s openly gay. Obviously I think he is a wonderful person. But it’s a matter for the Commonwealth. BARRIE CASSIDY: Do you support his right to marry? JOHN ROBERTSON: Well I see him as a person who is a genuine person who can make a contribution to our society. He’s bright, he’s intelligent. And to be blunt I think people should have the same rights. |
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