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

Tanesha Bennell joins Rainbow Futures WA as Aboriginal Community Organiser

WA's peak body for LGBTQIA+ advocacy has welcomed Bibulmun Noongar woman Tanesha Bennell in a new role.

Golden GRAI Time: A Celebration 50 Years in the Making

Share your memories of Connections and celebrate their anniversary.

New research shows more diverse families are being created through IVF

The report comes ahead of WA politicians debating changes to the surrogacy laws.

Claims US Department of Justice wants to ban trans people from owning guns

The Department of Justice is reportedly considering the proposal.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Tanesha Bennell joins Rainbow Futures WA as Aboriginal Community Organiser

WA's peak body for LGBTQIA+ advocacy has welcomed Bibulmun Noongar woman Tanesha Bennell in a new role.

Golden GRAI Time: A Celebration 50 Years in the Making

Share your memories of Connections and celebrate their anniversary.

New research shows more diverse families are being created through IVF

The report comes ahead of WA politicians debating changes to the surrogacy laws.

Claims US Department of Justice wants to ban trans people from owning guns

The Department of Justice is reportedly considering the proposal.

Brandi Carlisle shares new song ‘Returning to Myself’

Its the title track from her forthcoming album.

Tanesha Bennell joins Rainbow Futures WA as Aboriginal Community Organiser

WA's peak body for LGBTQIA+ advocacy has welcomed Bibulmun Noongar woman Tanesha Bennell in a new role.

Golden GRAI Time: A Celebration 50 Years in the Making

Share your memories of Connections and celebrate their anniversary.

New research shows more diverse families are being created through IVF

The report comes ahead of WA politicians debating changes to the surrogacy laws.