Julia Gillard, the new Australian prime minister, has said that she does not believe in God, but has "great respect for religion".

Bonnie Malkin, in Sydney
Published: 12:23PM BST 29 Jun 2010

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Ms Gillard, who replaced Kevin Rudd as leader of the country in a dramatic political coup last week, said she had been brought up in a Baptist family, but had "made decisions in my adult life about my own views".

"I'm not going to pretend a faith I don't feel," she said. Ms Gillard's views on religion are in stark contrast to those of Mr Rudd, who was a regular at Canberra church services

For the record, let's be straight about one thing, I am gay! And yes, the title is meant to provoke! Gillard might in fact believe in "poofs" but, her stance on not removing the discrimination associated with gay and lesbian union, as it currently stands within legislation, remains. In fact, she doesn't even want to consider it, open it up for debate or allow the nation to decide.

“This morning 2dayFM was taking calls to ask Julia Gillard a question, I took the opportunity to call through (took a few attempts but I got through) and my question was “what is her view on same sex marriage, and would she consider legalising it?”  

“This is the frank answer, we’d got very clear Labor party policy on this and it won’t be changing – that we believe the marriage act is appropriate in its current form, that it’s recognising that marriage is between a man and a woman, but we have as a government taken steps to equalise treatment for gay couples, in the things that government does in social security benefits and the like.”

Pressed for her personal views on the issue by the show’s co-host Jackie O, Gillard stood firm. “Look, that is my view, I think that’s where we’re at as a community now, and I think it’s appropriate that for these very sensitive issues that we’re reflecting community views.”

Hear the audio clip from 2DayFM below.

via samesame.com.au

So Gillard failed to present her personal view on the topic, rather, continue to spin the party line. It seems when it comes to God and religion, her views are strong enough to make a personal stance; but when it comes to voters, taxpayers, Australian working "families" - she will take a party-stance.

As a gay man in a long term relationship, and as someone who doesn't believe in God, I find this approach by the PM as being somewhat hypocritical, strategic (lets play all sides here! Starting to sound like Kevin07 now Julia!), and that's a shame. Now don't get me wrong here, I am not sure me and my other half need to get married, frankly, in our eyes, we already are, but that is not the point here. Currently, in Australia, it is ILLEGAL for us to do this. (google the Marriage Act in Australia folks!).

It was also interesting to note that this story (about gay marriage) has not hit mainstream media. In fact, Paul Murray (Sky News Australia - PMLive program) made the point, that not one other media outlet picked up on the story, the link to our PM's personal views on religion.

Now if this was Tony Abbott, apart from major disasters, another political "assassination" or some other more important thing - this story would have led every mainstream news outlet and talkback program for the next 48 hours - as it has done in the past!

All I ask of Julia Gillard is - so what is the problem Julia? Why not? Why not remove the discrimination? Why not have a personal view? Don't you want my vote? Or do you just not have the "balls" to take up the debate?

Is it time to move to Iceland perhaps? (google it folks!)

- Sylvestor (a voting poof!)

Gay rights advocates criticise new discrimination laws

Under the changes, religious groups will no longer be able to discriminate on the grounds of race, disability, age, physical features, political belief or breastfeeding.

But they can continue to discriminate on grounds including sexuality or marital status if it is in accordance with their beliefs.

You may think its just more 'poofs' having a whinge about 'rights' again. You may think about things like 'Mardis Gras' in Sydney and imagine, its just more 'flaming fags' complaining again. You may even think of such nasty things as 'paedophiles' when you are faced with Gay.

I am not a gay rights whinger.

I am not a flaming poof who does 'Mardis Gras'.

I am certainly not a paedophile (we tend to leave that to the hetrosexual-criminals on the most part!!!!)

But I am gay.

Not a lefty. Not a greeny. Not a socialist. And no, despite what some might think, I am not 'flaming' (you think I am? you need to get out more and see what true 'flaming' really is about!!!)

I am conservative. I am in a long term relationship (14 years). I wear a tie to work. I believe in 'family'!

But I am gay. And I am constantly amazed that, for this one thing, I am still legally allowed to be discriminated against in this country (Australia).

Doesn't seem right to me. But I will respect law, so feel free, take your best shot.

Sylvestor
www.twitter.com/Sylvestor

QUOTE:

COLLINGWOOD forward John Anthony has accepted a one-match suspension for headbutting North Melbourne defender Scott Thompson in the groin.
While the Magpies have been prepared to take cases to the tribunal this season, a guilty verdict would mean a two-match suspension and video footage of the incident looked damning.

Anthony kicked three goals in the easy win over the Kangaroos but there was little else to make the strong-marking forward happy.

Apart from the Thompson incident, coach Mick Malthouse gave Anthony a fearful boundary-line spray just before three-quarter time.

That incident was also caught on camera.

END QUOTE

That may well be the overview of what happened, from the AFL point of view, I just think its more likely a fellow footballer was helping out fellow player with an itch - with his teeth!?!?!

Classic moments in footy!

Sylvestor
twitter.com/sylvestor