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

Review | ‘Kangaroo’ shows the healing power of animals

The Aussie film is based on a true-life story

‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ cancelled after threats from broadcast regulator

The show has been pulled after the broadcaster was threatened with huge fines.

Singer D4vd helping authorities after body allegedly found in the trunk of his car

The body has been identified as belonging to a missing teenager.

Dozens of charges against Alan Jones withdrawn as he faces court

Alan Jones' case is expected to be heard in 2026.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Review | ‘Kangaroo’ shows the healing power of animals

The Aussie film is based on a true-life story

‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ cancelled after threats from broadcast regulator

The show has been pulled after the broadcaster was threatened with huge fines.

Singer D4vd helping authorities after body allegedly found in the trunk of his car

The body has been identified as belonging to a missing teenager.

Dozens of charges against Alan Jones withdrawn as he faces court

Alan Jones' case is expected to be heard in 2026.

Surrogacy bill passes the Legislative Assembly

The laws will make it easier for Western Australians to start a family.

Review | ‘Kangaroo’ shows the healing power of animals

The Aussie film is based on a true-life story

‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ cancelled after threats from broadcast regulator

The show has been pulled after the broadcaster was threatened with huge fines.

Singer D4vd helping authorities after body allegedly found in the trunk of his car

The body has been identified as belonging to a missing teenager.