Kevin Rudd defends gay marriage position. “It is how people are built.”
A Q & A question on gay marriage fires up Kevin Rudd in the final week of the campaign.
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under News
Kevin Rudd’s response to a question on same sex marriage last night on Q & A has attracted widespread praise on social media.
Rudd was asked about changing his position on gay marriage by a Christian Pastor, who referenced the bible as stating homosexuality was wrong in the eyes of God.
But the Prime Minister was having none of it.
“I do not believe people when they are born choose their sexuality,” Rudd said.
“You don’t decide at some later stage in life to be one thing or the other. It is how people are built. Therefore, the idea this is somehow an abnormal condition is just wrong. I don’t get that. I think that is just a complete ill-founded view.
“If you accept it to be natural and normal to be gay then it follows that I don’t think it is right that these two folk here who are in love with each other and are of the same gender, should be denied the opportunity for legal recognition of the duration of their relationship by having marriage equality.”
When the Pastor told Rudd that he followed the bible’s teaching and questioned why Rudd did not, the PM’s answer was frank and to the point.
“Mate if I was going to have that view, the Bible also says that slavery is a natural condition,” Rudd replied.
“For goodness sake, human condition and social conditions change. What is the fundamental principle of the New Testament? It is one of universal love.
“If you think homosexuality is an unnatural condition, then frankly I cannot agree with you based on any element of the science. If a person’s sexuality is as they are made, you have to ask the second question – should, therefore, their loving relationships be legally recognised and the conclusion I have reached is they should.”
On Twitter last night he attracted plenty of support for his position:
My favourite moment of tonight’s #QandA: @KRuddMP passionately responded to the bigoted Pastor’s question.
That, Grasshopper, is called a profoundly special moment in Australian politics. #qanda
That Pastor has just been boiled to al denté #qanda jx
#qanda Rudd slamming bigoted pastor. Great to see.
Now that was a prime ministerial moment. Finally. #qanda
Fantastic to see @KRuddMP get so passionate in his belief of gay marriage on #qanda
Good performance by @KRuddMP on #qanda tonight. Religious fundamentalism has no place in Australia. #auspol
With youth suicide highest amongst LGBTI @KRuddMP ‘s BRILLIANT speech on #QandA means so much!
Kevin Rudd defending marriage equality. So proud to be in the room to witness it #qanda
My dad and I just watched @KRuddMP’s response on gay marriage on #qanda and we were both mightily impressed.
Rudd also reiterated the importance of having an independent ABC in the Australian media.
Q & A has an open invitation to Tony Abbott to appear any night this week he so chooses.
Share
- Tagged with Q&A
34 Responses
Like him or loathe him, Rudd is articulate and courageous enough to face the people. Abbott mostly refuses to subject himself to real scrutiny, and when he does shows himself to be a blithering idiot (see Leigh Sales interview). And just imagine having a PM who would address some international forum and come out with something like the “suppository of all knowledge” gaffe. The value of Q&A is in showing us just what our politicians are made of. Rudd was at least willing to take the test. Why isn’t Abbott?
@Loz his support of gay marriage was widely reported when he released an online essay on why he changed his mind. This was before he became PM again. He just cant legalise it. It has to go through the parliamentary process like every other law.
@MJL that’s exactly what Malcolm Fraser says about Tony Abbott. And its relevant because a) it happened on tv and b) a clip from tv has become a huge hit on social media.
I was in tears listening to Kevin speak from the heart on this issue and a couple of other issues on Q&A last night.
Until this appearance I’ve not yet heard a leader in this election lead up speak so passionately, with such sense, on a view that they have come to the conclusion on despite it being at odds with the majority of their herd (i.e. Christians at large).
Despite my religious views being at odds with his, his views made total sense and was the precise type of leadership this country needs – someone willing to debate issues, clearly and succinctly explain them to constituents, and lead by example with inclusive and non discriminatory decision making.
Thank god for that appearance last night – and for the ABC for making it happen. After those 2 in depth appearances (7.30 Report and then Q&A) there couldn’t be a more clear choice for the better leader of this country now…
Kevin showed a really honest, personal side last night and he really impressed me. There was little of the just criticising of the opposition that feature in the debates and much more focus on Labor’s plans, track record and economic problems. Kevin admitted it was going to be difficult to deliver everything in this economic climate but also that Australians dont have it that bad. It took guts to stand up for the democratic principle of freedom of press over criticising Murdoch. Rudd’s knowledge on everything was pretty impressive.
I think this is a far better way for a politician to connect with the public than 15 second sound grabs on the 6pm news. The icing on the cake was this answer about marriage equality – it wasnt just trotting out a party line, it was his honest thoughts and reflections – it took guts for a Christian to suggest to a pastor that the Bible is not as relevant…
Not sure what this has to do with the normal kind of TV stories we read on here?
Kev will say anything if he thinks it will give him a vote. Won’t be getting mine.
Well we all know gay marriage won’t be legalised even if Rudd gets back in, It is refreshing though to see his point of view .
@JoshS – did you watch the conversation in question? Perhaps Youtube it if you haven’t.
I tend to think he does believe in it
@Loz, in the first TV debate he stated within X many days should they be re-elected he’d bring a bill to the floor to legalise same sex marriage.
What a wimp Abbott is – to date he’s refused to appear solo on Q&A, refuses to speak to any radio commentator who might actually grill him. He can barely speak coherently at times, he hums and ha’s, hesitates and has been struck totally dumb. (Classic moment being interviewed by a TV reporter a while back – couldn’t speak, couldn’t move).
And this is the man we want representing us all over the world, let alone being our Prime Minister? He may be a Rhodes Scholar (so’s millions of others) but as far as I’m concerned he hasn’t a clue.
In contrast, Rudd was excellent in Q&A last night. He was quite Prime Ministerial, in contrast to some recent performances.
The only thing I got out of the debate was the “poor me what do I get out of this election?. attitude
Australians wake up and see what is happening out in this world. Death of innocent lives from people made political decisions is before our very own eyes and yet we get excited by a prime ministers view on gay marriage as news worthy and a defining moment. Ohhhh please!! .
This is the first I’ve heard that KRudd is in support of gay marriage… He is PM he should legalize it. He should have done that the minute he came back into power…..
@tricks,
The leaders (and the parties they lead) have very different views on a whole bunch of things – the choice is a stark as ever.
Re the invitation to the LoO. Presumably David, this can only go ahead before midnight Wednesday, thereafter we are in blackout territory? I don’t understand how Kitchen Cabinet is being telecast on Thursday night – which means I’m ignorant about the rule.
(Sorry David, you’re in danger of becoming a politics blog).
Blackout is for paid political ads, not reportage.
@Sifter.. Rudd actually came out in support for marriage equality while he was still on the back bench.
When he took over the leadership many expected him to retract his support as it is a divisive issue and certainly not an election winner.
In supporting one group he has angered another, as seen on last nights Q&A.
It’s just good to finally see two leaders with different views, at least that way people feel like they actually have a choice to make on Saturday.
In 2011 Labor changed its party platform in support of legalizing same-sex marriage while also allowing its members a conscience vote on the issue. The Liberal/National Coalition remains opposed to any changes to the Marriage Act.
In Feb. 2012 two bills to allow same-sex marriage in Australia were introduced in Parliament. The bills were essentially the same, both lifting the existing ban on same-sex marriages while letting religious ministers refuse to solemnize ceremonies inconsistent with their beliefs. Both bills that would have lifted the current ban have been defeated in both houses as of September 2012.
Rudd advocates a conscience vote, the same as Gillard allowed. So if a vote happened the majority against would decrease by only one vote. If Rudd was fair dinkum he’d tie caucus to a yes vote, the same as every other issue the government considers. But he’s too indecisive, without the courage of his convictions and that’s why he is heading for a crushing defeat on Saturday.
Rudd was passionate in his answer.I so love him for his knockdown answer to the Pastor, who wants to ignor so many other practices and conduct mentioned in the Old Testamentthat that are acceptable today..Like being stoned for working on the Sabbath, not being able to touch the skin of a pig,,being stoned for palnting 2 different crops too close to each other.and the crazy list goes on and on.
One of my favorite moments of Q&A ever. Would have loved to see Abbott’s poor excuse for a response.
Weight of evidence supports…Josh! Pretty sure KRudd voted against gay marriage when it went to parliamant last year. What a change now that he’s in the leadership role!
@JoshS I think he does believe it. The politic angle used to be to take no side and keep the status quo.
Rudd put in a polished performance last night on Q and A last night….he was grilled and responded well… and his response to the gay marriage question was a classic.
Should pick up a few votes.
Josh- That’s a ridiculous claim. Lets not start playing wanna be psychics please
He gets my vote! Such a true caring passionate man. Albeit with a few anger issues… but who isn’t when they are passionate.
JoshS what evidence do you have to support your claim that he does not believe it? On Saturday the country has a choice – elect a leader for marriage equality or elect one that’s against it. Simple as that. Given Tony Abbott’s staunch opposition on this (refusing to allow a conscience vote) I think anyone who votes for the Liberals is happy to see me and other gay Australians treated as lesser people and have less rights because of our sexuality. That is truly offensive.
Loved the look on the pastor’s face while the whole room was applauding Rudd. Not happy Jan.
Wouldn’t it be nice if he actually believed it, rather than just trying to politicise to get another term…