Politicians are still in closet about opinions on same-sex marriage

In the world today, many people are considered to be second class citizens. Not because of their race, gender or even because of their age. It’s because of their sexuality. Something, which many people have stated time and time again, is simply a part of who they are. When asked about the somewhat controversial topic of same-sex marriage, many politicians try to avoid the questions and even go to the extreme lengths of ignoring them.

Most recently, the Independent Federal MP Bob Katter, was caught in the firing line of the media when two of his party members were quoted saying devastatingly homophobic comments, resulting in their resignation from the party. Bernard Gaynor, one of the offending party members, was suspended from the party after making horrendous comments saying that he, “would not allow gay teachers to teach his children” due to the “horrific lifestyle choices” that gay people “make”.  


This matter was later disputed on the popular channel ten show, The Project when Bob Katter was interviewed about said comments. Katter, who was not eager to talk about the topic of same sex marriage or the homophobic relations of his party, avoided answering the questions at all costs, with the interview eventually ending with the TV show’s hosts roasting him for his somewhat, appalling behaviour.


Sadly, this is not the only case of people’s intolerance towards the “controversial” topic. Although a lot of people support the movement for same-sex marriage to be legalized, not only in Australia but worldwide, many more people oppose it. 


It is due to these extreme numbers that politicians are so unwilling to share their opinions on the matter. However, America, unlike Australia, has already legalized same-sex marriage in several states, including; Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Washington. 


President Barack Obama has even come out in favour of same-sex marriage, saying, “[…] I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.” 


If Julia Gillard wanted the same popularity in Australia, she would follow in the footsteps of Obama, renouncing her views against same-sex marriage and ending this ridiculous silence that today’s politicians have adopted when it comes to such a relevant topic to this day and age’s society.