Penny Wong labelled a hypocrite
Openly gay federal climate change minister Penny Wong is facing a barrage of community criticism tonight following her public declaration of support for the Gillard Government’s stand against gay marriage today.
On Channel Ten this morning Senator Wong said she respected Labor’s view of marriage as an institution between a man and a woman.
‘‘On the issue of marriage I think the reality is there is a cultural, religious, historical view around that which we have to respect”, she said.
Australian Marriage Equality spokesperson, Alex Greenwich, said Senator Wong’s rationale for opposing marriage equality is deeply hypocritical.
“It was once the ‘cultural, religious and historical view’ that women should not be members of parliament, Asians should not be allowed into Australia, and lesbians shouldn’t even exist, yet thankfully all that changed allowing people like Penny Wong to contribute to Australian society at the highest level.”
“By opposing marriage equality, Penny Wong has betrayed gay and lesbian Australians, and by using culture, religion and history to justify this opposition she has betrayed the principles of tolerance and inclusion that have given her immense opportunities as a lesbian woman of Chinese descent.”
“If culture, religion and history were sound reasons for upholding discrimination there would be no Senator Penny Wong.”
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Potts Point resident David Polson was more direct.
“Penny Wong is a disgrace. Yet another reason to vote for The Greens in the Senate,” he wrote to Sydney Star Observer after Wong’s comments.
Scott Hill from Paddington also wrote to the paper immediately after Wong’s comments.
“Your rationale that there are ‘cultural, religious, historical view(s) around that which we have to respect’ is simply not good enough.
“We ask you therefore whether you would have opposed enfranchisement for women, which was in opposition to ‘existing cultural, religious, historical views’.
“Naturally you would also have opposed the end to slavery, as there were also ‘cultural, religious (and) historical views’ that wanted it kept.
“We live in the 21st century. It is time Labor, followed the example of Britain and so many other countries and dragged itself out of the 18th. “
Community Action Against Homophobia (CAAH) has organised a formal protest against the Gillard Government’s anti-gay marriage stance for this week.
Eggs will be thrown at effigies of Gillard and Opposition leader Tony Abbott at Taylor Square at 5pm this Thursday.
“With so much disappointment and disillusionment at both the major parties, this event is designed as a fun way for people to express their frustration at both Abbott and Gillard on issues such as the ban on our marriage rights,” CAAH co-convenor Ben Cooper said.
Each egg will cost $1, with the funds raised going towards the next mass demonstration for equal marriage rights in Sydney on Saturday August 14, Town Hall at 1pm.
I understand Penny Wong has to stick to official ALP policy, but she has claimed this as her personal view.
Having (finally!) had all our entitlements and responsibilities recognised in 2008, we now need our relationships formally recognised.
I am no fan of amending the marriage act myself, preferring civil unions/partnerships like the UK and New Zealand
(frankly, I roll my eyes hearing of gay Buck’s night, what next, will we gather round the single men at a commitment ceremony for the throwing of the cock ring?)
Federal gay law reform has only ever come from ALP Governments. On this issue, they are on the wrong side of history – and the distance to move is getting larger.
I understand Penny Wong has to stick to official ALP policy, but she has claimed this as her personal view.
Having (finally!) had all our entitlements and responsibilities recognised in 2008, we now need our relationships formally recognised.
I am no fan of amending the marriage act myself, preferring civil unions/partnerships like the UK and New Zealand
(frankly, I roll my eyes hearing of gay Buck
Would it just be easier for Penny if we all went back into the closets, had sham marriages with the opposite sex, lived unhappy lives and were out of sight?
Civil Marriage at a government registry office is just that- a civil function. Yes, civil marriage is a civil function first & foremost, it has nothing to do with religion in this country! So why are so many sheep out thier being tricked by out pollies into thinking that religions run the laws of Australia. They don’t.
We just need access to civil marriage, equal under the law.
As for Penny- I never trusted her… as part of the phoney Kevin 07 campaign we were never allowed to challenge Kev before the election & were told we “had a lesbian in the team”, & were expected to “blindly” trust the Kevin 07 dream. Then it turned into a nightmare… with those who wanted to get married still banned, and those who didn’t want to get married(Centrelink couples) getting first class recognition on a FEDERAL government register.
At least this time, this election, we have been able to flush out all the homophobic anti-equality policies & statements out prior to the election!!
We REALLY needs us, and all our relatives & friends to vote the Greens into the balance of power in the senate (and more seats in house of reps). I personally don’t like all of the Greens policies- but I want them to WIN at least once, to stop the anti-equality homophobia. And so do my Friends & Family!!! I can always vote for someone else in 2018, but to get my rights right now, I need throw all my votes behind the Greens right now- It’s Time, It’s Time…
I beleive Penny Wong should change her name to Judas for her act of treachery, however i should point out that i have not voted for the past eleven years, i am fifty five years of age, and voted all my life, until about eleven years ago when i boycotted the elections in a straight community based dicatorship that persecutes gay people. My partner and I have been together for the past thirty three (33) years, in a loving gay relationship, we both have never been on the dole, and have paid taxes all our lives, but i am now so pissed off that a refugee, illegally entering the country on a people smuggler financed boat, whether they come from Sri Lanka or wherever, can arrive here, and within a short period bring their wives over to Australia, and just because they are male & female their marriage is recognised and they get all the benefits under the sun, where as my partner and i , of anglo saxon heritage, in a relationship of 33 years, have no legal recognition of our relationship and are barred from getting married, well as far as i am concerned, they can shove their straight society, and that is why i don`t vote, and wherever i can i practice civil disobedience, and as for madam Wong, i do beleive in Karma, you will get yours, Ray Stuart
I too agree with Penny Wong. I do not want any part of a word that was created through years of religous bigotry to be part of my life. I don’t need a word to justify my love or how I do it !
Civil celebration, blah blah, I am sure we could find a new word for “us” to use !
Call her office. They are answering calls. But would neither confirm nor deny that Wong has a “Pacte civil de solidarité” with her French partner.
Phone: (08) 8212 8272
Fax: (08) 8212 8273
Let us all support the party that celebrates all the majestic colours of the rainbow. Not those that are colourblind.
It is an appreciation of our differences that make us strong. It is our diversity we should celebrate. We have come so far down the Yellow Brick Road road we cannot go back into the closet. We must rise up and let the Labor Party know we will not lower ourselves to their level, and support policies that seek to deny us our basic rights. We will not support a Party that seeks to discriminate.
Let us soar above the clouds and give support to the Greens. Email Labor and let them know, ring the radio stations, tell them of the Civil Marriages that people have without Churches all the time. Our love is valid, our relationships should be celebrated.
Never give up. Never feel down about this. For all this exposes the hate of the some Churches. It has exposed the hate of some political parties to the community. It will be their downfall and not ours.
It has become their problem now. Do not despair and sit back and enjoy the ride to equality. Have a laugh. Be yourself. Be proud of our great march forward. I want you all not to feel to down about this. Remember we are all in this together. You have friends.
I was hoping to join in with the protest, but throwing eggs at effigies? Really? Is that the best ‘formal’ response we can come up with?
I think I’ll pass.
Labor’s Penny Wong tows the party line on gay marriage like all good Labour Party politicians do. It’s clear that the Labor Party comes before anything else to these people.
I’d like to remind people that the Australian Democrats are back – we’re standing candidates in this election and we have a proud record of supporting gay rights.
The Australian Democrats support same-sex marriage.
In NSW we have 2 Senate candidates in this election Fiona Clancy & Jennifer Mitchell, both of whom happen to be lesbian.
Unlike Penny Wong they both support their own community, believe in full equality and will work to achieve it should they get elected.
Decisions, decisions. Let’s see now. Vote for Julia Gillard (Howard-lite) – NOPE. Vote for Tony Abbott (Mad Monk who is threatened by the gays) – NOPE. Who could I vote for then? Oh wait a minute! There is The Greens! And if all the gays in the village vote for them in the senate they will have a majority! WOW! And a majority Green senate will force Julia to an ‘open and frank’ discussion on gay marriage ‘moving forward’.
Why must we live in a society that has laws based on religion! I am one of many people who are of non – religious belif and that is how I should be able to live my life.
Penny Wong you are so fart off the mark, and to be public in saying you agree with your parties stance is not only embarrassing for you, but is embarrassing for all Gay and Lesbian people.
What a joke!!!
Dear Penny,
As a gay Aussie, I understand that your personal journey would not be that dissimilar to mine. It’s really dissapointing to know that you have not stood up for us.
It’s not about marriage. It’s about legal equality. And not that long ago, your racial background, sex and sexual orientation would have meant no Australian senator position for you.
Can you redeem yourself before the election?
As it stands, I believe you are a flaky disgrace and on your “outstanding” performance combined with the rest of Labor’s continued upholding of legal discrimination of gays and lesbians, my vote has now switched to the Greens.
I have “Never” liked Wong as she as always become across as a smartsmart arse Know-It-All.But can’t say I do not like labour.
Reason being as under an Abbott Government his Be-Loved “WorkChoices” would be rolled in,and god help us if that gets in,You will have a choice to sign on the dotted line,or lose your job (I clearly remember Bosses rushing these contracts in,sometimes intimidating their workers to sign before it was crushed not long ago)
Under a Abbott “Im scared of Homosexual Government/Im Catholic,your an abomination to my Belief” Government,WORKCHOICES and other matters will be forced upon us.When questioned about series matters WHY does he ask “Next Question”? The Man who believes Ironing is a womens Job is clearly in a 50,s Time Warp,were everyone goes to Church,Wogs and Poofs are bashed and women belong in the Kitchen.God help us if this grub gets in.
Thanks
I am totally disgusted with this backward attitude and hope Penny is put back on her boat and sent home because the Australian people have decided refugees no longer need to be in this country. Get it, this is the sort of rubbish she is agreeing too, that in some way, we are different and should not be seen or heard. I hate Wong, her hypocrisy and her government. I will never vote for Labor again nor vote for parties which give their preferences to Labor or the liberal party.
Andrew and Baz, I don’t want to get married either, but I’m furious that the Labor Party is telling me I can’t.
I want to be like Julia Gillard – unmarried because it’s my choice, not because Labor and the Coalition have denied me the choice.
And I know that there are same-sex couples who do want to get married, and I resent anyone who wants to stop them.
Another big disappointment. I will vote for the first time this election and I will have to vote for the Greens. I have no other choice.
Baz i think she is obliged to say that gay people are entitled to equality, something that our country has afforded heterosexual people of her gender, religion and culture… i think that her sexuality should also be afforded basic equality. I do not want to marry, but why should i be denied the opportunity because of my sexuality?
People, you can contact Penny Wong directly to express your dissatisfaction with her hypocrisy at:
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/senators/homepages/senators.asp?id=00AOU
Nothing is so bitter as betrayal from someone you trusted to understand. Wong is no better than the co-opted Jewish guards in the death camps. I was tempted to support Gillard this time around because of her sensible “sustainable Australia” policy but Wong’s highlighting Labor’s anti-gay attitude has fended me off. I guess it has to be Greens.
australia has too many rednecks and unfortunately, they’ve been allowed into government:-/
I’m originally from Czech Republic. Have been here for 3 years and before I came here I thought Australia is modern and open minded country. But I was wrong. Even in Czech Republic (a post communistic country) have gay people much better right then here! Registered partnership was passed in 2006 with almost same right as heterosexual couples!!! And there is already prepared legislation which should allowed same sex couples adopt child and have exactly the same right as heterosexual married couples. They just don’t call it Gay marriage as it would upset religious people, they rather call it Registered partnership.
Why is it so big deal here?
i think they should pass the law that marriage is open to everyone unless their name is penny wong or julia gillard. this is not about gay rights, it’s about human rights and equality…
Baz said,
July 26th, 2010 @ 1:11 pm
So because Senator Wong is gay she’s obliged to support all gay issues? No! Not every gay person agrees with marriage and I for one are heartily sick of hearing about it. Marriage is what heterosexuals do (and not very well!!). Move forward.
Mate, just because you don’t agree or want to support gay marriage doesn’t mean other people should be stopped from marrying. I have been in a gay relationship for 30 years and very happy to stay the way we are. I certainly don’t oppose anyone else that wants to marry though. It should not even be an election issue but the basic human right it is. Labor, huh, same horse with different rider.
No, Baz, not every gay person agrees with marriage, but every gay person should agree that everyone has a right to it if they want it.
I think the most important lesson here is, on reading ALL the comments, that we ALL do not neccessarily want or agree with “Gay Marriage”
There is growing comment for Civil Partnership which is what I have been saying for ages.
So because Senator Wong is gay she’s obliged to support all gay issues? No! Not every gay person agrees with marriage and I for one are heartily sick of hearing about it. Marriage is what heterosexuals do (and not very well!!). Move forward.
I have watched this debate with equal amounts of horror, wonder and frustration. We must accept that weeks out from an election, the entire caucus and cabinet will, if they wish to get elected, tow the party line.
Lambasting Senator Wong’s views in this forum will not change the current status quo. What will change it is a letter to your local MP, outlining your personal story and your dissatisfaction. Your local MP represents you and fellow constituents. If you are unhappy with your local MP, ensure that on August 21, you make your vote count.
The ideal situation is that a progressive party, like the Greens, who have long fought for the rights of many minorities – not just us – will hold the balance of power in both houses. In this situation, they can then ensure that issues like the full, legal recognition of same sex relationships, are placed before the parliament and with that balance of power, we may see progression.
I am not a member of the Greens, so this comes as a purely objective point of view. If we are to change the way we are governed and ensure that this issue is debated again, then we must tell our own stories to those that represent us.
Just last week, Argentina put into law, the recognition of same sex marriage. This is because Argentina has true left and right parties – something that is not representative with our two party system. As the Libs have drifted further to the right, so too has Labor – sitting more in a middle ground than on the left where they traditionally have been.
Make your vote count on August 21 and continue to write to and lobby your local MP. With 70% of Australians in favour of the recognition of full same sex relationship recognition, it is only a matter of time until we see that recognition in the eyes of the law.
OMG !!!! love the idea of the “SO WONG” Mardi Gras Float.
cheers xx
It’s time the LGBT Community STOPS supporting the ALP with blind faith. They have failed on LGBT Law Reform.
VOTE 1 THE GREENS for real Equality !!!