Kevin Rudd Australian marriage equality advocates are hopeful other MPs will support their cause following former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's change of heart on the issue. In a blog post on his website, Rudd has written: "I have come to the conclusion that church and state can have different positions and practices on the question of same sex marriage. "I believe the secular Australian state should be able to recognise same sex marriage." Australian Marriage Equality national convener Rodney Croome says Rudd is an immensely influential figure who will inspire others to support marriage equality both in parliament and across the community. "As one of Australia's most prominent Christians, Mr Rudd's message to other people of faith is that they can support marriage equality not despite their faith but because of it. "Already former Labor minister, Joel Fitzgibbon, has said he is open to changing his mind on the issue and I expect other MPs will follow. "If Mr Rudd can evolve on marriage equality so can Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott." Croome added that Rudd's decision to support marriage equality following the revelation that one of his former staffers is a gay Christian shows that those affected by reform telling their personal stories is the key to change. "Mr Rudd's change of heart is a reminder that marriage equality is a deeply personal issue about love, family and faith, and it is from this level that change will ultimately come. "I urge all supporters of marriage equality to keep telling their personal stories about why marriage equality matters." Green MP, Adam Bandt, has proposed a vote on his marriage equality bill on 6 June.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 21st May 2013 - 12:16pm