Rudd Challenges Gillard & Abbott to evolve on gay marriage

Marriage Equality advocates have welcomed the support of the former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, to amend the federal marriage act to allow same-sex couples to marry.

In a statement (viewed in full here: http://www.kevinruddmp.com/ ) Mr Rudd describes the “personal journey” he went on to accept the importance the of reform, and argues:

“Church and state can have different positions and practices on the question of same sex marriage. I believe the secular Australian state should be able to recognise same sex marriage”.

Australian Marriage Equality National Director, Rodney Croome, said:

“Mr Rudd has joined a majority of Christian Australians in supporting marriage equality. His journey is reflective of the one many people across the country have gone on to support equality for same-sex couples”.

“If Mr Rudd can show the maturity and integrity to compassionately evolve on this issue, so can the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition”

Mr Croome said Kevin Rudd’s references to his faith in the statement were significant:

“Mr Rudd also highlights the importance of marriage to people of faith. Many of whom also want same-sex couples to share in it’s benefits and responsibilities.”

Kevin Rudd will now have an opportunity to vote for marriage equality on the 6th of June when Adam Bandt’s Marriage Equality Bill is debated.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome