Gillard Remains Opposed to Gay Marriage

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is firm with her decision to oppose gay marriage even though her American counterpart, US President Barack Obama, does. 

Green Senator Bob Brown said President Obama’s support for gay marriage should encourage other world leaders to reconsider their stand on the issue. The outgoing senator said Aussie politicians should remove themselves from old thinking. 

He added that majority of Australians support gay marriage. Brown is the country’s first openly gay politician. 

Even if Gillard is unflinching, some public sectors are already supporting gay marriage. 

Mike Hercock said his congregation now supports equal marriage. He also criticized the Australian Christian Lobby’s opposition, saying the group’s arguments are dehumanizing. 

The Sydney Baptist pastor also said that Christian conservatives tend to sow fear among the congregation. He added that no one should convey that love between two people is dehumanizing. 

Reverend Roger Munson echoed Hercock’s view, saying the stance of the Australian Christian Lobby does not reflect that of many Christians. Munson is from the Uniting Church in Canberra. He added that Jesus teaches the value of inclusion and not exclusion. 

Several states in the US have already passed laws favoring gay marriage. In Australia, marriage is covered by federal law. 

Rodney Croome said the country’s political leaders should follow President Obama’s change of heart. Croome is the campaign director for Australian Marriage Equality.

Barack Obama is seeking a second term as US President. He recently announced that he is supporting same-sex marriage. Expectedly, the announcement was met by polarizing sentiments. While gay rights advocates celebrated it, the support did not sit well with conservatives.