Dear Rodney ... Nicola Roxon replies to Rodney CroomeBy NICOLA ROXON
In Monday's paper, As a long-time gay rights advocate he is, of course, entitled to argue for his cause. He is not, however, entitled to rewrite history or attribute motives to me, or the Labor Party, that cannot be sustained by examining my speeches, our commitments and our policy in the areas of same-sex law reform. Announced by Leader Mark Latham last year, Labor committed to the introduction of new laws to protect against discrimination on the grounds of sexuality and to prevent harassment and vilification. We have pledged that a Labor Government will remove discriminatory provisions from legislation across the spectrum, including superannuation, taxation, social security, immigration and much more. State Labor Parties have delivered on similar pledges when elected to government so Labor's record is strong. These are the issues that the gay and lesbian community have been campaigning on in Australia for years, as supported by statements made last year from the NSW Gay Lobby. The reforms will deliver same sex couples equal status to that of heterosexual de factos and recognise the different legal circumstances we have in Australia compared to the United States, where the debate on gay marriage has been raging. Heterosexual de factos in Australia have their relationships fully recognised and acknowledged within our community and legal system, so delivering equivalence to same-sex couples on this front is a major advance. It will have an impact for every member of the gay and lesbian community, not just those who would like the chance to marry. This approach has been reflected in Labor's comments from day one that we would support including a definition of marriage as being "a union of a man and woman to the exclusion of all others." We supported this provision because it simply restates the existing law. We are committing to fighting for the other reforms outlined above, rather than on an issue where the vast majority of Australians recognise marriage as a heterosexual institution, when there has been no significant social movement for this to change and where only those seeking to marry would benefit - not all the other gay and lesbian members of the community who want health care, veterans affairs and family law matters to be dealt with as a matter of priority. As a party of reform, Labor has to prioritise where to start when it comes to undoing the damage of the Howard years. Labor's priorities are on removing discrimination that affects the everyday lives of same-sex couples and giving them equivalent status to heterosexual de facto couples. Labelling me a homophobe, vilifying certain religious movements and second guessing Labor's motives will not help achieve positive change for the gay and lesbian community. Which brings me to the National Marriage Forum held in Parliament House where I gave a speech in a section of the conference along with other political leaders which seems to have generated so much criticism - not for the speech itself, it seems, but for even daring to attend the forum. At this forum, there were over six hundred attendees from a wide range of Christian denominations and parts of Australia, including many small churches but also mainstream churches like the Catholic, Presbyterian and Anglican churches. They were a group, like any other, entitled to ask for Labor's views on issues of concern to them. My role at the forum was not to endorse or commentate on any of the other speakers at the forum, which ran for an entire day, but to present the position of the Labor Party. And if offensive comments were made by others at this forum, as has been reported, I in no way endorse them. I loathe and abhor ignorance, hate and vilification. Similarly I do not endorse the action of the people supporting same sex marriage who vandalised my office last week or sent hate messages to my staff. Extremists at either end of the debate do not foster an environment of understanding or respectful debate. But I speak every week at public functions for rotary clubs, teachers, footballers, pensioners and have never been expected before to know in advance and agree with every view of every person in the audience before accepting an opportunity to present Labor's policy agenda. It is also not fair to dismiss a great chunk of the community's views just because they don't accord with your own. Church groups and activists have as much right to be involved in this debate as gay activists. And the fact that many people have a strong view that a social and religious institution like marriage shouldn't be changed cannot be ignored. I am perplexed by Mr Croome's view that Labor is "placating fundamentalist Christians" when parts of my speech were booed by the audience. I guess this is the lot of a politician - not pandering, but explaining our plan of action to all audiences irrespective of popularity. Splitting the debate along extreme lines and failing to engage and communicate with all sections of the community will not help further the cause of same sex law reform in this country or strengthen our democratic debate. And let's fight and advocate on issues that fit for Australia, not just copy cat other countries to match some current trend. Nicola Roxon is the Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister for the Status of Women.
RAPID RESPONSE EMAIL: What do you think? Thursday, August 19, 2004 |