Tony Abbott appeared on 60 minutes last night and claimed a shift on his views of homosexuality since 2010, where he admitted in an interview that he was “threatened” by the queer community.  

Abbot’s sister, Christine Forster, who is in a lesbian relationship with Virginia Edwards, admitted that she was disappointed when she saw the broadcasted confession:

“In the first instance I was surprised. I was kind of taken aback. But it really doesn’t reflect what I know of my brother”.

The Opposition Leader admitted on the program that he “was a bit disappointed as well” after reviewing the footage of himself.

In attempts to justify the highly criticized statement, Abbott stated: “What flashed through my mind, as you were questioning me, was what was going on in my own family at the time.

“Now I couldn’t talk about that then because it was deeply personal and deeply private. But certainly, they were very tough times for our family, hence my comment.

“Because the cohesion of our family was threatened at that time. But I’m pleased to say that we’re all in a better space now than we were then”

Showing a softening view on homosexuality, Abbott told 60 minutes, “I said some things which I believed then which I don’t believe now.

“I’ve changed and I’d like to think that I’ve grown”.

Despite a supposed shift in his public views on homosexuality, Abbott is still refusing a conscience vote on same-sex marriage for the Coalition party, despite growing support from prominent Coalition MPs.

Australian Marriage Equality National Director, Rodney Croome, responded to last night’s interview:

“Tony Abbott cannot say he truly accepts his lesbian sister, Christine, until he has also accepted Christine’s partner, Virginia, as her wife and sister in law.

“If Tony Abbott is sincere in his support for family values he will follow the example of UK Prime Minster David Cameron, and support these values for same-sex couples as well”.

60 minutes reporter Liz Hayes commented on Abbot’s support from his sister, “… while blood runs thicker than water, it’s still a hard act for her to sell”.

You can watch the interview here.

Nadine Walker