Expected new NSW Premier’s past “homosexual lifestyle” comments resurface
Image: NSW Premier Mike Baird wasn't too keen to talk to Star Observer about his win at the 2015 Gloria awards
NSW Treasurer Mike Baird is poised to become the state’s next premier, after the sudden resignation of Premier Barry O’Farrell yesterday.
During a meeting with transport minister Gladys Berejiklian this morning, Baird formed an agreement with her in order to form a joint ticket for the leader and deputy leader positions within the NSW Coalition.
Throughout his career, Baird has stated that while he supported conscious votes in regards to LGBTI rights, he didn’t support the promotion of such laws, especially marriage equality.
“I don’t in any way see that as a degradation or a reduction in rights for those who are choosing to live a homosexual lifestyle,” he said during an interview with Fairfax Media in late 2012.
However, in a statement in April last year, Baird clarified that his position was based on his conscience rather than his religious Anglican background.
“While my conscience says marriage is for a man and a woman, I know many disagree and indeed the pain many feel on this issue,” he said.
According to US-based academic and journalist Jeff Sharlet, the Baird family has had a close association with the Washington D.C-based entity The Fellowship Foundation, which organises the annual National Prayer Breakfast for senior politicians and rising stars within the Christian movement worldwide.
The group has also had connections with the Ugandan politicians who recently promoted and passed various anti-LGBTI legislation in Ugandan Parliament.
In a statement to the Star Observer, Sydney state independent MP Alex Greenwich said he hoped Mike Baird would govern for all citizens of NSW.
“I hope that Mike Baird is a leader for all people in NSW, including the LGBTI community”, Greenwich said.
“Taking NSW into the 21st century includes improving the rights and equality of the LGBTI community.”
He also stated his intention to meet with the would-be Premier as soon as possible, in order to discuss these issues.
“I hope to meet with the new Premier and discuss anti-discrimination protection, ending forced trans divorce, expungement, and improving the recognition for our states same-sex and gender diverse couples,” Greenwich said.
The Star Observer has approached Baird’s office for comment in relation to his previous comments on the LGBTI community and the unfolding leadership transition within State Parliament. The Treasurer’s office has advised that he would addressing LGBTI-related issues at a later time.
A source within the Liberal Party has also told the Star Observer that Baird was “pretty conservative but is regarded as a compassionate man.”
(Image: YouTube)
Having someone like Tim Wilson as a gay liberal in their ear surely must have some impact on changing their views about gay men in politics..
It’s utterly ridiculous and deeply offensive to suck up to the establishment yet don’t want change for your own community and your children’s friends who will be gay?
Extremism in the Liberal party is not indicative of the publics open and progressive viewpoints towards diversity
Australia has moved on from creepy conservatism years ago!!
Baird is just another phony “Christian” LNP member.
I am sure, before the election, he will share the top bunk with Barry in a stone cold prison cell. At least in jail, Baird will find lots of priest to indulge his homophobia.
I mean come on, what is the Liberal doing promoting homophobia, let alone this tool? Giving a voice to thumping hater is sending the party back to 1950. What a joke!
The man is a ‘Sydney’ Anglican! Say no more!
US based religious hate groups that help draft laws to kill us in parts of Africa, I understand, really I do. It must make you feel you feel all kinds of important. Some people need to feel the power over others, even telling them who they can marry, and if they can have children. Perhaps, in the seminary, in Canada, they told you a life in politics might be more suited to your type of personality. I mean it is hardly a Christian value, to persecute a minority. To use your public office for harm, and cause pain to people who have done no wrong. I can see why even Baza demoted you the moment he got into office, to number 11 on the list.
So my question is, what is the price of giving us the favour, the treatment you seem to give others who donate? I am not after a promotion to a waterboard, or any other board. You will not have the shame of promoting us, knowing those pesky honest public servants, said we had not skills for this board or that board, and should get better experience. What we offer, will cost you nothing. It will deliver plenty to the State. I read about your banking days. It was hard, you moved here there and everywhere. If you support us, you will see an improvement in the budget. Less hate crime, less suicide, less mental illness, less police usage, less hospital visits, and so on. Rather then isolating people, society will benefit, by a broader range of people able to make a contribution. It will deliver the State plenty, and you will not have to go back to ICAC for a please explain.
So come on Mr Baird, how about using that power for something positive. You no longer have to be nasty to others to feel powerful. You have the power now. How about following a real Chrstian lifestyle, and doing onto others, as you would have them do onto you.
I do not care about his sexual inclinations the important thing is ” how he governs the State ” end of story
That is what many homosexuals said when Hitler came to power.
conservative and compassionate do not go together…