The Prime
Minister, John Howard, speaking after the
civil union of Sir Elton John and David
Furnish in London today, has again
embarrassed Australia in the eyes of the
international community.
When asked
his views on same sex marriage following the
commencement of UK and New Zealand civil
unions, Howard said he opposed it.
"I
think marriage is for men and women.
That's why we amended the Marriage
Act (in
August 2004)",
said the Prime Minister.
National
spokesperson for Australian Marriage
Equality (AME), Peter Furness, said that
"John Howard should have kept quiet today".
"The United
Kingdom was simply joining a growing list of
countries which provide for same sex
marriage and civil unions.
"Australia
is fast becoming the odd one out. John
Howard's remarks just highlight that fact
and this damages our image overseas.
"John
Howard is simply out of touch. The vast
majority of Australians value a fair go for
everyone and believe that all people should
be treated equally under the law.
"This issue
may well become very obvious at next year's
Commonwealth Games, when athletes and
visitors from a number of other countries in
same sex marriages will be abruptly refused
recognition of their legal status the moment
they set foot in Australia", said Furness.
