I am a thirty something married gay boy living in Sydney, almost on top of the gay scene but not in it!
Why Sometimes blue?, because I love blue, but also I am sometimes blue :)
more about drew
This afternoon I went to the No To Pope Rally to protest against the homophobia of the Catholic Church and to Taunt the Pilgrims (sorry I meant spread a message of non discrimination).
What absolutely shocked me was the number of Police that were present to 'protect' the pilgrims from us rabble, literally hundreds of Police were used, on horse bike, cars and even the Police Helicopter to keep an eye on the rally.
It always annoys me that these events end up being a total extreme left wing talk fest which went on at Taylor Square for almost an hour before anything else happened.
It gets very dull waiting through their speeches which you can't hear!
Anyway the pictures were taken on the new iPhone camera
Response from Clover Moore regarding World Youth Day
A while back when I discovered just how much money the City of Sydney Council was spenidng and so I sent an email to Clover Moore:
Hi,
I am very concerned that the City of Sydney Council is not recovering costs from World Youth Day.
It is being reported that the Council will contribute up to 2 million dollars in direct and indirect funding for World Youth Day. The Catholic Church is a discriminatory organisation which should support it's own activities and not seek direct or indirect funds for an event which is not inclusive to all people. This is not an event which is welcoming to minorities etc.
I also read with great dismay that Clover Moore as Lord Mayor is supporting the funding both indirect and direct.
I believe that the Church should pay it's own costs for this event whether they be direct or indirect should be sought for this event.
I am extremely disappointed that Clover has not sought the costs to be recouped and this will affect my vote in upcoming elections.
Regards
Drew
and received back the following:
It's facsinating that this response is very different than Clover's public statements only a few weeks ago. I get the feeling that a lot of residents have complained about the hideous waste of money that is World Yout Day.
It will be interestingot see just how much money this event really ends up costing the tax payers!
If you are gay and you voted for the Liberal / Coalition in the last election please explain why the dickheads YOU voted for is delaying Labor's plans to grant same-sex financial rights equal to those of heterosexual couples.
Could you please explain this for me?
In simple words if you will, because I am seeing red over this.
If the SIMPLE legislation gets changed before June 30 it can be retrospectively enacted, otherwise it cannot.
And all this because they want to diminish the value of our same sex relationships to include interdependent relationships such as sisters living together.
It's not the fucking same!
A message to Brendan Nelson , you had a gay brother who died of AIDS and you still can;t bring yourself to support equality for gay men.
I used to think it was these people were just mean and nasty, but I think that they just don't get it and they can't sell it to the absolute right wing wankers in their party.
So back to my question - If you voted for these idiots Explain to me why you don't hate yourself?
The Crown Prosecuters have pretty much said that Bill Henson's work is not obscene and the images do not break any obscenity laws.
What a great victory for the arts world and the normal art lover.
And what a total kick in the teeth to Kevin Rudd, Morris Lemma, Miranda Devine, Karl Stefanovic, Channel Nine and all the rest.
From this I have lost any respect I may have had for Kevin Rudd. If this is how he will be reacting to contentious issues in the future I doubt he will have much life as a Prime Minister.
I am not sure how I feel about the news that Barack Obama is thre Democratic nominee for President.
On the one hand I think he is totally amazing and a truly great orator.
On the other hand I wanted Hilary to run and be president for the 'history' of it all, you know Husband and then wife are Presidents of the United States.
I just don;t know whether a black man can be voted in by the American people, I was not sure a women could be either.
I liked Clinton, I thought she was a true politician, Obama is more an unknown so I will really have to work hard to discover more about him and what he believes in.
So there it is, a true first and hopefully a real first for America too.
Now I remember why we kicked out the Howard Liberal Government:
Threat to stall same-sex reforms
Phillip Coorey Chief Political CorrespondentJune 2, 2008
AFTER fighting for years for equal recognition before the law, gay and lesbian couples face another wait because of Coalition threats to delay the Government's legislation.
The Herald has been told that the Opposition's legal affairs spokesman, George Brandis, would push at today's meeting of the shadow cabinet for the Coalition to use its numbers and send the legislation to a Senate committee. The legislation, which Labor promised before the election, removes discrimination against gay couples in about 100 areas of Commonwealth law.
It does not bestow the right to marriage but gives gay couples the same rights as heterosexual de facto couples in sharing benefits such as Commonwealth superannuation and veterans' benefits.
Labor wants the legislation, which is before Parliament, passed before July 1. Any delay could push the debate back until September, leaving it at the mercy of the new Senate. John Challis, of the CompSuper Action Committee, said he was appalled at Senator Brandis's plans. Gays would be denied the satisfaction of being recognised as equals of heterosexual de facto couples.
"It's charity, it's not social justice," Mr Challis said. "It's got nothing to do with equality between gay and heterosexual couples."
Monument to Gays Persecuted by the Nazis is innaagurated in Berlin
The monument was designed by Danish artists Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset who have been collaborating as an artist duo for over ten years.
From DB Artmag:
Beneath the wood is a massive 83-ton cement stele, the Monument to Homosexuals Persecuted During National Socialism, which has not yet been inaugurated. A short time ago, the carefully packed monument was brought from its production site in Munich to Berlin and raised by a special crane onto its designated spot. Now, the oversized moving crate looks somewhat surreal in the Prussian park landscape. But there was a "ceremonial atmosphere" when it arrived, according to Michael Elmgreen.
The wooden crate is opened on one side, exposing concrete treated in a dark color and an inlaid window that provides a view of a video projection inside the massive slab. Here, one sees a scene that repeats itself in one-and-a-half-minute loops: two young men in a park, immersed in a tender conversation interrupted again and again by a kiss. The video will be shown for two years, after which it will be replaced with a work by another artist. The reason for this changeover, which was not part of the original plan, was the massive criticism the monument was subjected to prior to its realization. It was alleged that lesbians were not adequately represented by the images.
"We weren't concerned with providing a definitive answer to the representation of homosexuality," says Elmgreen, and adds that the artists are more than happy with a change of video every two years.
In any case, the idea of a continuous renewal fits in well with Elmgreen's & Dragset's idea of a living memorial.
I for one am fed up to the back teeth of the disgraceful way in which the residents of Sydney are being force fed the World Youth Day.
Not only are we paying for a bigoted organisation to hold a public relations event, our State Government has taken over certain areas of Sydney Council too now!
In what is being reported by the Sydney Morning Herald the State Government enacted laws on Friday that allow it to direct the council to do whatever the World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority requests.
What a load of bollocks!
Among the things they want to do is remove a park in my suburb that the 'pilgrims' will walk through, cutting down trees and removing what is a beautiful community park.
The residents around the park have sensibly suggested that the 'pilgrims' walk around the trees.
Every indicator is that this World Youth Day will be the smallest ever, a dismal failure for a Cardinal who has his sights on the top job at some stage (Cardinal Pell).
I am sorely tempted to erect a huge banner on the side of my building saying:
Fuck Off Bigots - Pay for your own bigotry
At the end of the day what I would like is either for the Catholic Church to pay for it's own event, or the State Government to give equal funding to similar events such as Mardi Gras.
Mind you I think the perfect outcome would be for the World Youth Day to be a total and abysmal failure and an embarrassment for all involved.
Ooh and here's a thought...
Why don't we throw a Gay and Lesbian festival on Oxford Street and surrounds during the 'pilgrims' walk and show our pride?
'Look, it's fine if you're gay, as long as you don't do anything about it like having a gay relationship or express how you feel that way'."
I was fascinated, yes I do believe that the school has the legal right to ban same sex partners if they so wish, but I do not believe they have the moral right.
Times are changing and guys and girls are coming out much earlier. I do believe that it is a school's moral responsibility to be supportive of the coming out process, and as the article suggested it's a passive aggressive move by the school to say on the one it's fine to be gay but on the other don't do what's normal for you either.
An article on CNSNEWS.com told of how the University of Toledo in the US suspended a staff member for writing a homophobic opinion piece for a local newspaper.
The Author of the article is Crystal Dixon an Administrator for the University of Toledo. In her opinion piece she asserts that homosexuality is not a civil rights issue because:
Here's why. I cannot wake up tomorrow and not be a Black woman. I am genetically and biologically a Black woman and very pleased to be so as my Creator intended. Daily, thousands of homosexuals make a life decision to leave the gay lifestyle evidenced by the growing population of PFOX (Parents and Friends of Ex Gays) and Exodus International just to name a few.
What a fucking load of bollocks, Ex-Gays do not change people from Gay to straight, they simply screw with their heads and try to mask their underlying sexuality.
There has never ever been any actual scientific studies done on whether the Ex-Gay movement actually works. All the 'studies' done by the Ex-Gay movement have been non scientific and discounted by the scientific and psychiatric profession.
And in fact the Ex-Gay's big poster guy John Paulk was caught soliciting guys for sex and in the end admitted he had never been healed.
This women Crystal Dixon is a homophobic bitch who uses 'religion' to discriminate against people.
How dare she say that because the Bible told her it's wrong people can change or choose their sexuality. So by her own words she must be able to change and become a Lesbian at the drop of the hat.
Personally if people want to have their pictures all over the media and stand up and say they are homophobic sure bring it on, but expect the backlash from the enlightened masses.
Have a look at the picture of Owen and Eunice Johns their homophobic bigotry is what needs to be addressed just as racism against people of colour needs to be addressed.
let's not forget it wasn't all that long ago that the very same 'Christian' Church they support was racist!
Is it time to start thinking of boycotting the Olympics?
A report in today's newspaper outlines the IOC's toughening of the rules on what athletes can say, do, write, wear and generally think in terms of political dissent.
IOC president Jacques Rogge has said athletes have freedom of expression, as long as those expressions comply with the Olympic charter
What a load of bullshit!
So long as it complies with the Olympic charter.
So that means you can't voice your opinion about the Human Rights Violations in China, nor can you write a blog entry about the Tibet issue etc.
China has also announced new extraordinary powers to search and detain ANYONE, sure it's a communist country and this can happen anyway, but come on!
The reason why China was given the Olympics was to encourage the Communist regime to allow world wide focus to be placed on the issues to hopefully encourage change in the right direction.
Based on the heavy handed way the Chinese have dealt with the Torch Relay protesters and the way they have reacted to dissidents in their own country I would say so far this has not worked.
But what gets my blood boiling even more is when the Olympic Committee itself is tacitly approving the gag order and by therefore is turning a blind eye to the Human Rights abuses.
I am all for China having the Olympics, but having an official edict which prevents the athletes from expressing their views is disgusting.
If I was an Olympic athlete I would be boycotting the games
I think most readers of this blog know my disdain for the Catholic Church and my special disgust at 'World Youth Day', but this now just takes the cake.
According to reports in the newspaper the City of Sydney Council (of which I am resident and ratepayer) will be contributing in indirect and direct funds well over 2 million dollars.
AND Hyde Park will be closed for up to three months after the event to fix the damage that the 'pilgrims' will cause.
I also noted with great interest that the Council is still using the out dated figures of 225,000 people attending when we all know that less than 25 % of the expected number of people have registered .
So I say to Clover Moore who supports this ridiculous waste of tax payers money and is basically pandering to the Catholic Church, you are up for re-election in September and you have absolutely lost my vote and I think the vote of many other people.
The Catholic Church should be paying for the event themselves out of their own extremely deep pockets and the tax payers of Sydney should not be.
It's a disgrace that Clover is supporting this in this way especially since she has relied sop heavily on the Gay vote to stay in power and the Catholic Church and Pell have been such vocal opponents of Gay equality.
Australian Government to announce Gay Equality Legislation
Matching rights for gay couples
Phillip Coorey Chief Political ReporterApril 30, 2008
THE long battle by gay and lesbian partners for the same legal and financial rights as de facto heterosexual couples is about to end, with the Rudd Government planning to remove inequalities in 100 areas of the law.
The federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, will announce today that the necessary legislation will be introduced when Parliament resumes next month for the winter sittings. The measures do not amount to gay marriage; they afford gay couples the same treatment as heterosexual de facto couples in areas such as tax, superannuation sharing and social security. The issue came to a head last year when the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission found discrimination existed in 58 areas of financial and work-related laws.
The High Court judge Michael Kirby highlighted the inequity by publicly complaining that his partner of 38 years, Johan van Vloten, would have no access to Justice Kirby's pension if the judge died before him.
Under current law, if a retired judge in a heterosexual relationship dies before his or her partner, the partner is entitled to 62.5per cent of the judge's pension. But Mr van Vloten would not receive anything because he is not female.
Upon Labor winning government, Mr McClelland instituted his own review of Commonwealth laws which found inequities in 100 areas, many more than uncovered by the commission's report.
Mr McClelland said all would be redressed.
As well as tax, superannuation and social security, other areas to be reformed include health, aged care, veterans' entitlements, workers' compensation, employment and entitlements. "In keeping with the election commitment, the changes do not alter the marriage laws," Mr McClelland said.
"They will make a practical difference to the everyday lives of a group of our fellow Australians who have suffered discriminations under Commonwealth laws for far too long."
All the changes would be operational by the middle of next year; most will begin as soon as legislation is passed. The Australian Democrats have long supported the reforms and there will be no problem with the laws passing the Senate before July 1.
Mr McClelland said children of gay couples would not be disadvantaged by the changes.
I have not hidden the fact that I am not a fan of the upcoming World Youth Day (sic) or rather the Catholic Church's Day.
I think it is misguided and dangerous in these political climates to promote fear, hatred and discrimination against minorities.
However what really gets my blood boiling is the 86Million dollars the NSW State Government will contribute to this event when they do not contribute a cent to the largest Gay & lesbian Event int he Southern Hemisphere (Mardi Gras).
It's offensive, it's discriminatory and it's pathetic.
The event is only open to Catholics number one and the Catholic Church let's net forget is one of the World's largest and richest organisations, oh and they pay no tax either.
So why the Fuck should I as a tax payer being further giving my taxes to such a restrictive, discriminatory organisation such as the Catholic Church.
Remember these are the people that believe the ban on same sex marriage is moral, that homosexuality is evil etc.
So the NSW Government will quite happily receive about 45 Million dollars in tourism influx for Mardi Gras 2008 without lifting a finger to sign a cheque to help out, but the Catholics call with all their money and they write a cheque for 86 Million dollars.
Personally I think the Pope is a terrorist (As terrorism ultimately involves the use or threat of violence with the aim of creating fear not only to the victims but among a wide audience, it is fear which distinguishes terrorism from both conventional and guerrilla warfare. Source)
Every time the Pope makes an anti gay statement he is doctrinally approve violence against gays and lesbians. It may not be traditional terrorism but the Catholic Church still incites violence against minorities.
Whilst we in this country still have anti discrimination laws that EXCLUDE religious organisations we have no hope of getting equality. At least in the UK the laws passed INCLUDED religious organisations which means that even they cannot hide discrimination behind behind religious dogma.
Should the Olympics be used for political protests?
The protests against China and the Olympic flame have fascinated me on many levels.
On the one level I am in awe of the passion people have in protesting (my protesting days are well in the past). On another level I am horrified by some of the comments against the protesters that members of the IOC have been saying.
It's not just a theoretical ethical discussion, we are talking about people being murdered, forced into labour camps and being denied natural (or any) Justice for that matter by the Chinese Government.
I am always told when you are protesting or arguing you must have a realistic outcome, in this case there are realistic outcomes. The outcomes we want involve China accepting basic human rights in places like Tibet.
Yes the Olympics is supposed to be a non political sporting arena (in theory anyway). In practice the Olympics is a highly politicised world event where one country competes against another and one ideology competes against the other.
I don't agree that China should not have been awarded the Olympics, I believe that by letting China host the Olympics the world is focusing on their terrible Human Rights record. And I strongly believe that the protests and the world's attention may have a positive impact on Chinese policy.
The world is not a vacuum and by simply have the world's attention placed on the Human Rights abuses things will change.
For things to change sometimes people must protest (I am not an advocate of violence) but sometimes blood must be split for a revolution to happen.
Just think of the gay Rights movement, blood has been split in the name of change.
Another update on the ban on same sex partners at teh School Formal
I was interested to read more about the blog I wrote about last week where a Brisbane Private school banned same sex partners from attending the school formal.
An article in today's newspaper outlines the issue from the student who raised the issue's point of view.
What was fascinating is that he says there are 'dozens' of openly gay students at the school.
This just floored me!
I know people are coming out much much younger, but dozens of openly gay students at a private boys school is fantastic!
Former residents say separation contracts, a ban on physical contact and teachings by an 'ex-gay' are part of Mercy Ministry's attempts to stamp out lesbianism in its flock, reports Ruth Pollard.
WHEN Mercy Ministries says it helps young women with "life-controlling issues", it means in part that it aims to teach them not to be lesbians.
In line with the Hillsong Church's strict doctrines teaching that homosexuality is an affliction that can be cured, Mercy Ministries is keen to ensure there is no lesbianism under its roof. It issues "separation contracts" to young women who make friends with each other and prevents any form of physical contact between residents.
"While I was there, we received much teaching on the evils of gay and lesbian lifestyles," said Naomi Johnson, who spent nine months in the ministry's Sydney house.
As someone with no issues about her sexuality, she was perplexed by the ministry's continuing focus on the issue. "In particular, there was an ongoing teaching video series by Sy Rogers an 'ex-gay' - now reformed - married Christian," she said.
Rogers - an American who conducts speaking tours on Christianity and sexuality- spoke at Hillsong Church's Sense and Sexuality Workshop in Sydney last September and is due to address its Colour Your World Conference next year.
"Sy will bless you with his insights into identity and the heart," the Hillsong website says. "Happily, homosexuality can be turned around," Mr Rogers says in a clip of his show, Turnaround, on youtube.com. "Homosexuality is out of tune with religion; it is not what God planned for human sexuality."
On its application form, Mercy Ministries used to ask young women if they had been involved in lesbianism, next to the question on whether they had been involved in prostitution. They changed that in 2006 to ask "have you ever been involved in any form of same-sex relationships?".
Another former resident, who did not wish to be identified, said: "Girls were asked on the application form, as well as in a telephone interview, if they have ever had lesbian or bisexual relationships. They asked if I hadbeen involved in drug abuse, witchcraft, or lesbianism. They bunched them in together like that."
In the house, residents were prevented from having any form of physical contact - no comforting hugs, no shoulder to cry on - and even though there were three young women to each bedroom, they were not allowed to change clothes if another person was in the room, she said.
Mercy Ministries denies it runs an "ex-gay" program, and Hillsong has stopped running its "ex-gay" program, called Living Waters, although both organisations remain staunchly conservative - anti-abortion and anti-gay.
The Herald asked Hillsong to explain its teachings on homosexuality. No response had been received last night.
One former member of Hillsong, who held several "leadership positions" in the church, revealed that he was shunned when he disclosed his homosexuality.
"The ostracising that occurred by fellow worshippers was severe," said the man, who asked not to be identified. "As soon as I came out my entire social network decided the best way to deal with the situation was to stop all communication with me.
"The only hope I had was my family and friends who were extremely supportive as they were not Hillsong members."
Hillsong Church taught that the devil inspired people to act on homosexual desires, he said. "Hillsong believes that homosexuality is not normal and not a part of God's design for mankind - their belief is that it should be fixed and it's something that can be removed from someone's life." One option presented to the man was to force himself into a heterosexual relationship. In the meantime, he was removed from his leadership role in the church and isolated.
As the votes are rolling in for the delegates in the USA I can't help but think that as much as I love Hilary Clinton and want her to be President of the United States I think that Barrack Obama will get the nomination.
I do think it's obvious that the Republican candidate will be McCain and I am not sure that Obama can beat McCain.
It's going to be an interesting 24 hours in the USA.
In my search for information on American Apparel I came across the DIY edgy T Shirt company Steez Luiz.
I saw the above T Shirt and at fisrt I was like that's so inappropriate, how dare someone use the derogatory term 'that's so gay' as a way to show how inappropriate racism is.
Then (yes it took me a moment) I realised that it's a meant to be ironic and is actually a statement about why so many people who are against racism (read the fundamental christians) are anti-gay.
A recent media report suggests that former Prime Minister John Howard could be given an Order of the Garter.
Personally I find this absolutely disgusting.
The man has ben one of the most divisive figures in Australian society in the last 12 years. If this happens I will lose any and I mean ANY repect I had for the Queen.
The most John Howard deserves is the knowledge that he was thrown out on his ass and was one of the onlytwo sitting Prime Ministers to ever lose their own seat.
Mind you if it did happen it owuld probably reopen the entire republic debate in this country again.
I think by now we know that the Republican candidtae will be McCain, but who will be the Democrat candidate?
I want it to be Hilary because I believe that as an insider and a previous resident of Pennsylvania Avenue she can get more done than Obama. But in a few days time we are going to find out just who will win the Super Tuesday.
I am not going to pick who I think will win because I think there is a 50/50 chance for both.
A few thousand people turned up to protest againt the homophobic violence this afternoon and then marched up Oxford street.
It was certainly a sight to see all the pink Australian flags waving around!
The very talented Shauna Jensen and Diva in training Courtney Act performed Proud as the finale of the vigil, which I must say as truly inspired and moving choice!
My only disapointment was that we didn't close down Oxford street and make a real statement, but I feel that in a small way things will change for the better. It's all just baby steps.
This afternoon is the Vigil against Homophobia, virtually everyone I know has said they will come (apart from the boy who flies out to Singapore this afternoon).
I must say I am pretty suprised by some people who are making an unprecedented effort to come along to this event. As many of our friends are relatively apathetic about things and many whilst vocal about issues are not generally motivated to actually do something.
So for those of you in Sydney are you going to come along and stand up and be counted?
WHAT: 'Reclaim The Right' Vigil
WHEN: 26 January 2008, starting 4pm
WHERE: Harmony Park (next to Surry Hills Police Station)
This weekend a Reclaim Oxford street Vigil is being held to protest against the steady decline of the Once Great Golden Mile into a violent dirty place to visit.
I have a huge vested intetest in this area as we live here and Oxford street is our basically on our front door. So anything that affects the street affects us in a very personal day.
So if you have the inclination and want to do something some along this Saturday and stand up for a real clean up and solution for Oxford street! I will be there with the beagle as this is our normal dog park and I feel a real need to stand up and be counted!
WHAT: 'Reclaim The Right' Vigil
WHEN: 26 January 2008, starting 4pm
WHERE: Harmony Park (next to Surry Hills Police Station)
Recognising gay marriage is as bad as the potential for nuclear war, come on really what a load of bullshit.
The Pope is coming to Australia next year for world youth day, me thinks that it's about time that someone as racist as the Pope and obviously as discriminatory should be banned from Australia under Australia's own laws.
He incites violence and his organisation is akin to a terrorist group.
So I think we should call on the Federal Government using it's Not of Good Character legislation to ban him from entering Australia...
Is this the start of the promises being kept by Rudd?
Kirby's call answered on judges' same-sex pension
Chris Merritt, Legal affairs editor December 05, 2007
THE new federal Government is working on a plan aimed at ending the unequal pension treatment of homosexual judges.
The Government's plan is a victory for High Court judge Michael Kirby, who had urged the Howard government to end pension discrimination against homosexual federal judges. Justice Kirby had urged the former government to make the change out of concern for the financial welfare of his partner, Johan van Vloten.
The Rudd Government's plan came to light yesterday after homosexual law reform in Victoria threatened to leave the commonwealth as the only jurisdiction that gives unequal pension treatment to gay judges.
Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland said Labor was committed to removing day-to-day discrimination under commonwealth law experienced by same-sex couples, "including judges". "We are taking advice as to the appropriate means to achieve that outcome," he said. Mr McClelland's statement came soon after Victorian Attorney-General Rob Hulls introduced legislation extending equal pension rights to the partners of Victoria's homosexual judges. "It is time the de-facto and same-sex partners of judicial officers received the same recognition and support that married partners receive," Mr Hulls said.
So let's see if this is the start of the equalisation of those 57 pieces of legislation for same sex relationship equality that we were promised by the new Rudd Government during the election campaign!
Now the hard work begins, let's make sure both Malcolm Turnbull and the Labour party ont he other side keep their promises and fix all 58 pieces of legislation for equality of same sex couples.
Today is Election day in Australia, a day as Winston Churchill famously stated will go down in infamy.
The campaign has been awash with negativity and dirty tricks, predominantly from the Liberal / Coalition. There is a mood of change in the air, but who knows what tonight will bring?
All the polls point to a Labour victory, but it ain't over yet and we will still have to sit through the day and see what transpires.
I saw the side poll on SMH and it did surprise me that the 74% of respondents think that Labour will win.
I am undecided on who will win, one because I am afraid of jinxing it, and the other because I think sometimes dead cats do bounce and we haven't seen all the dirty tricks of a Howard Government yet.
Whatever happens today I can pretty much be rest assured that I will be hung over tomorrow morning! We are having some friends over for dinner tonight including the adorable Nick.
I have been relatively quiet n the issue of the upcoming Federal Election in Australia, mainly because I think my desires for a fairer more honest Government are well known.
I was chatting to a client about the election and ideologies of the respective political parties and it turned out that she lives in the electorate of Wentworth, which until recent times was a blue ribbon conservative seat. But with the electoral boundaries redrawn last year it's now very much a swinging seat.
The incumbent member is one of the 'chosen' ones in conservative politics and was tipped to potentially be a future Prime Minister. But he is in gave danger of losing his seat to the opposition.
But the conservatives have to show just how devious and cynical they are by starting a campaign saying his opposition is not a legal candidate.
How do you spell Florida?
It looks like this election may actually be lost and won, not by the great democratic choice of the people but by the courts.
I reckon it's going to be a nail biting finish and I reckon the conservative pollies will mount legal challenges on any grounds they can, after all they don't care what the people actually vote for or think...
It was not overlysup rising really as this one is such a huge political hot potato and we are so close to the Federal Election being called.
As Sam said in a comment to my previous post, the Federal member for Wentworth (which now includes areas with the highest gay population in Australia) has at the very last minute jumped on the gay equality bandwagon, it's too little too late.
I do find it so offensive that a person can still sit there with a clear conscious and deny the basic human rights of equality. It's generally their religious faith that they just take a faith based stance which you simply cannot argue with because they will not listen to reason or logic.
In the article I did read I almost choked on my cornflakes as I read:
It is understood the Prime Minister, John Howard, supports changing the law but told cabinet "we'll have a further look at it".
Where or when has little Johnny Howard ever said that he support equal rights for Gays and Lesbians and actually backed this political rhetoric up with any, any any even minute equalisation of the laws?
These sorts of discussions and quotes are the stuff of an ever scared and out of touch group of old men, who still believe that a women's place is at home, her body is not hers to decide the fate of, poofters should be seen and not heard, if they are seen it's OK to beat them to within an inch of their lives.
Bring on the Federal Election and hurry and let Australia decide whether these out of touch old men are ready to go.
The Federal Cabinet will today debate legislation that could seek to understand whether same-sex couples should have the same legal and financial rights as heterosexual couples.
Only a handful of members of the Liberal / Coalition have been pushing this, Warren Entsch who seems to have championed the gay equality issue from the outset and supported by Joe Hockey, Brendan Nelson, Nick Minchin and Philip Ruddock.
The most interesting and obviously vote hungry is Malcolm Turnbull the Federal member for wentworth, who is in danger of losing his seat due to a redistribution of areas which now includes areas such as Darlinghurst, East Sydney, Waterloo etc which all have a very high proportion of gay constituents.
The debate in cabinet will fail or pass based very much on Howard's views, and thus far the Prime Minister has steadfastly refused to offer any form of equality for same sex partners.
But being an election year this could be an interesting debate and outcome. Whilst the religious right are furious at even the thought of equality for same sex relationships and equate it with same sex marriage (which it is not), by pushing the legislation forward it defuses the argument that the Liberal Coalition is inherently homophobic.
So it's an interesting challenge - Does the government potentially alienate the religious right, or do they try and be seen to be "progressive" and socially aware?
The last time this Government offered something to same sex partners was in 2004 when they introduced legislation to ensure marriage was defined in law "as a union between one man and one women", tacking on superannuation rights for same sex partners.
The problem was whilst the marriage definition was passed and then made not law the superannuation side was never actually ratified into law.
So even if the cabinet does say yes we will seek to provide the same financial and legal equality for same sex couples this does not mean they will actually do anything more than give lip service to the actual mechanics.
Personally regardless of what actually happens today in cabinet this does not change my view that I am ideologically opposed to what this Government does and believes in.
The Howard Government last night blocked a push by Labor to extend pension rights to the partners of homosexual judges.
During debate on a bill making unrelated technical changes to the superannuation of federal judges, Labor introduced an amendment that would end decades of discrimination against homosexual judges. But the Government argued the amendment was inappropriate given cabinet was about to consider a broader package of legal and financial rights for gay couples that extended further than judges. It used its numbers to defeat the amendment. The minster Malcolm Turnbull and Liberal backbencher Warren Entsch, who are pushing within the Coalition to end such discrimination, were among those who voted to defeat the amendment. The Labor candidate Mr Turnbull's seat of Wentworth, George Newhouse, said the actions of his rival "stink of hypocrisy". Under current law, if a retired judge in a heterosexual relationship dies before his or her partner, the partner is entitled to 62.5 per cent of the judge's pension. If the judge is homosexual, then his or her partner gets nothing. The discrimination faced by same-sex couples was highlighted a month ago when the High Court judge Michael Kirby called for the law to be changed so his partner of 38 years, Johan van Vloten, could have access to a part-pension payable for life should Justice Kirby die first. This right would be automatic if Mr v
I am a thirty something married gay boy living in Sydney, almost on top of the gay scene but not in it!
Why Sometimes blue?, because I love blue, but also I am sometimes blue :)
