Premium Content:

John Howard says changing marriage laws will have wider implications

Former Prime Minister John Howard has called on the Turnbull government to release the legislation it will use to create marriage equality ahead of national postal survey.

Speaking to The Weekend Australian Howard said it would not be possible to change the marriage laws without their being wider implications for society.

- Advertisement -

The former PM said there needed to be protections for religion and freedom of speech and it was essential that people saw the legislation before indicating their thoughts on the issue.

“I respect the Yes campaign ­arguments, but this is not about a single right and there are conflicting rights,” Howard said.

In 2004 the Howard government changed Australia’s marriage act to make it clear that same-sex couples could not get married. The amendments to the legislation forced all marriage celebrants to read a statement at weddings declaring that marriage could only be between a man and a woman.

Howard said he would be voting No in the upcoming postal survey because he believed children fared better if they were raised by their biological mother and father.

OIP Staff


Support OUTinPerth

Thanks for reading OUTinPerth. We can only create LGBTIQA+ focused media with your help.

If you can help support our work, please consider assisting us through a one-off contribution to our GoFundMe campaign, or a regular contribution through our Patreon appeal.

Become a Supporter→     Make a contribution→ 

 

Latest

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

Doechii, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Melody Pool are just a few of the artists with new music this week.

On This Gay Day | In 1954 the Woolfenden Committee met for the first time

It was the first step towards decriminalising homosexuality in Britain.

Drag star Jiggly Caliente dies aged 44, days after having her leg amputated

The artist found fame on the fourth season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race'.

Robert Baxter takes the next step with ‘Stargirl’ EP

The new collection is described as “feminine, gay, emotional, danceable, sexy and playful”.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

Doechii, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Melody Pool are just a few of the artists with new music this week.

On This Gay Day | In 1954 the Woolfenden Committee met for the first time

It was the first step towards decriminalising homosexuality in Britain.

Drag star Jiggly Caliente dies aged 44, days after having her leg amputated

The artist found fame on the fourth season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race'.

Robert Baxter takes the next step with ‘Stargirl’ EP

The new collection is described as “feminine, gay, emotional, danceable, sexy and playful”.

Just.Equal call on minor parties and independents to push for LGBTIQA+ protections in religious schools

The long running issue was taken off the agenda during Labor's first term.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

Doechii, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Melody Pool are just a few of the artists with new music this week.

On This Gay Day | In 1954 the Woolfenden Committee met for the first time

It was the first step towards decriminalising homosexuality in Britain.

Drag star Jiggly Caliente dies aged 44, days after having her leg amputated

The artist found fame on the fourth season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race'.