Premium Content:

John Howard stands by his government’s bans on same-sex marriage

In a new interview former Prime Minister John Howard has defended his government’s decision to ban same sex marriage in Australia.

The start of the year saw the release of cabinet papers from 2004 which saw the Howard Liberal government adjust the Australian marriage act to include a declaration that marriage could only between a man and a woman.

- Advertisement -

The laws remained in place until 2017 when the Liberal government lead by Malcolm Turnbull introduced a national postal survey that showed that the majority of Australians wanted marriage equality, and the laws were changed.

Speaking to News Corp Prime Minister Howard said he had no regrets about the moves he made to stop marriage equality from progressing.

Sydney 2016, former PM of Australia John Howard speaks ahead of announcement of election results. (Shutterstock / Simon Roghneen)

“We put it in there because we knew if we left it unsaid some judge somewhere in Australia would say ‘I think a marriage is between a man and a man or a woman and a woman.'”

The cabinet papers released today show that the government of the day was concerned that the laws would be forced to change via a court decision, so they pre-empted the move by bringing in specific wording.

The papers show that then Attorney General Phillip Rudock, South Australian senator Amanda Vanstone and Victorian MP Kevin Andrews were given the task of formulating the government’s plan to stop any changes to marriages laws.

John Howard has denied the action was driven by prejudice, arguing that it was to ensure that changes to the laws were made by politicians and not judges.

Speaking to Katina Curtis from The West Australian he said it was about following the correct process.

“I completely oppose the American system where you leave such issues to the courts,” he said. The former PM said he maintained “the strongest possible view” that decisions on moral and social issues should be made by elected representatives.

Latest

PrideFEST 2025: Perth Rainbow Swans dive back in to Pride Swimming Carnival

The local LGBTIQA+ swimming club are gearing up for the return of their successful Pride carnival this November.

Collectables expo TreasureCon is coming to Perth this November

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre will be transformed into a haven for all things collectible for two massive days this November.

Fake quotes about trans athletes attributed to swimming champ Mollie O’Callaghan

Swimming Australia has clarified that online news about swimming champ Mollie O'Callaghan is completely false.

Rainbow Families reflect as surrogacy reform heads to WA Upper House

Advocates are hopefully that long awaited reforms will finally be approved.

Newsletter

Don't miss

PrideFEST 2025: Perth Rainbow Swans dive back in to Pride Swimming Carnival

The local LGBTIQA+ swimming club are gearing up for the return of their successful Pride carnival this November.

Collectables expo TreasureCon is coming to Perth this November

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre will be transformed into a haven for all things collectible for two massive days this November.

Fake quotes about trans athletes attributed to swimming champ Mollie O’Callaghan

Swimming Australia has clarified that online news about swimming champ Mollie O'Callaghan is completely false.

Rainbow Families reflect as surrogacy reform heads to WA Upper House

Advocates are hopefully that long awaited reforms will finally be approved.

Get ready for Australia’s take on ‘Ghosts’

Ramshead Manor is getting some unwanted guests.

PrideFEST 2025: Perth Rainbow Swans dive back in to Pride Swimming Carnival

The local LGBTIQA+ swimming club are gearing up for the return of their successful Pride carnival this November.

Collectables expo TreasureCon is coming to Perth this November

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre will be transformed into a haven for all things collectible for two massive days this November.

Fake quotes about trans athletes attributed to swimming champ Mollie O’Callaghan

Swimming Australia has clarified that online news about swimming champ Mollie O'Callaghan is completely false.