http://www.thepunch.com.au/tags/same-sex-marriage/ Politics, political opinion, world news, sports news and the latest news and views updated live, daily on The Punch - Australia's best conversation. en Copyright 2012 The Punch penberthyd@newsltd.com.au penberthyd@newsltd.com.au Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 Politics, opinion, world news, sports news, latest news, views, Barack Obama, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Nathan Rees, Malcolm Turnbull, Peter Garrett, Barnaby Joyce, Australian, federal politics, opinion polls, election, The Punch, thepunch, punch ExpressionEngine 1.6.7 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 15 http://www.thepunch.com.au/images/punch-logo-rss.png http://www.thepunch.com.au/ 144 70 Politics, political opinion, world news, sports news and the latest news and views updated live, daily on The Punch - Australia's best conversation. Search The Punch keywords http://www.thepunch.com.au/search/ http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/we-must-cure-heteros-of-their-unnatural-ways/ Let’s get one thing straight from the outset. I am not heterophobic. In fact, some of my best friends are heterosexuals. (Oh, OK, maybe “best friends” is not as accurate a descriptor as “some monodimensional caricatures I once saw on a sitcom”, but you get the picture.) Anyway. Up until recently, I was open-minded about people who chose heterosexual lifestyles so long as they didn’t indulge in any of their perverted hanky panky in public, in private or in their fervid imaginations. Lately, however, it has become clear that radical straights are infiltrating the highest echelons of Western society in a nefarious attempt to indoctrinate young people with their deviate, pro-heterosexual agendas. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/we-must-cure-heteros-of-their-unnatural-ways/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/we-must-cure-heteros-of-their-unnatural-ways/#item8513 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 One of the many enduring myths of Australian politics is that former prime minister John Howard defiantly imposed a goods and services tax on an unwilling populace despite promising that he would “never, ever” do such a thing. He didn’t, of course. By the narrowest of margins, the people re-elected John Howard on a promise of introducing a GST. He had a popular mandate to introduce the tax after he won a second term. He had ruled out the tax while in Opposition ahead of his 1996 win over Paul Keating, declaring the tax was “dead, buried” and would “never, ever” be introduced. He then changed his mind during his first term of office, and went on the now defunct Sunday program with Laurie Oakes to announce his new position, for which he would seek a mandate at the 1998 election. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/obama-leads-the-way-on-man-dates/ One of the many enduring myths of Australian politics is that former prime minister John Howard defiantly imposed a goods and services tax on an unwilling populace despite promising that he would “never, ever” do such a thing. He didn’t, of course. By the narrowest of margins, the people re-elected John Howard on a promise of introducing a GST. He had a popular mandate to introduce the tax after he won a second term. He had ruled out the tax while in Opposition ahead of his 1996 win over Paul Keating, declaring the tax was “dead, buried” and would “never, ever” be introduced. He then changed his mind during his first term of office, and went on the now defunct Sunday program with Laurie Oakes to announce his new position, for which he would seek a mandate at the 1998 election. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/obama-leads-the-way-on-man-dates/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/obama-leads-the-way-on-man-dates/#item8499 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 One of the many enduring myths of Australian politics is that former prime minister John Howard defiantly imposed a goods and services tax on an unwilling populace despite promising that he would “never, ever” do such a thing. He didn’t, of course. By the narrowest of margins, the people re-elected John Howard on a promise of introducing a GST. He had a popular mandate to introduce the tax after he won a second term. He had ruled out the tax while in Opposition ahead of his 1996 win over Paul Keating, declaring the tax was “dead, buried” and would “never, ever” be introduced. He then changed his mind during his first term of office, and went on the now defunct Sunday program with Laurie Oakes to announce his new position, for which he would seek a mandate at the 1998 election. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-nature-of-love-and-unnatural-chastity/ That wonderful institution called marriage has been in the media a lot this week – and for two very different reasons. In the US, President Barack Obama has faced down deeply conservative voters to reverse his opposition to gay marriage. Interestingly, he cited his Christian values as the primary reason for reversing his thinking. “In the end, the values that I care most deeply about ... is how we treat other people,” he said. Hallelujah to that, and we can only hope our own Prime Minister Julia Gillard – usually so eager to warm to Mr Obama but on this occasion very quick to shrug him off – reverses her own thinking on the issue sometime soon. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-nature-of-love-and-unnatural-chastity/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-nature-of-love-and-unnatural-chastity/#item8480 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 One of the many enduring myths of Australian politics is that former prime minister John Howard defiantly imposed a goods and services tax on an unwilling populace despite promising that he would “never, ever” do such a thing. He didn’t, of course. By the narrowest of margins, the people re-elected John Howard on a promise of introducing a GST. He had a popular mandate to introduce the tax after he won a second term. He had ruled out the tax while in Opposition ahead of his 1996 win over Paul Keating, declaring the tax was “dead, buried” and would “never, ever” be introduced. He then changed his mind during his first term of office, and went on the now defunct Sunday program with Laurie Oakes to announce his new position, for which he would seek a mandate at the 1998 election. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/gay-marriage-is-threatening-our-freedom-of-faith/ The concurrent parliamentary inquiries on gay marriage mark a new low point in what has been the constant manipulation of truth and democratic process by gay activists in the pursuit of same-sex marriage. As the inquiries closed it was evident that they had been reduced to the status of cheap public polls instead of what they should be - our highest forums for review for public policy. The manipulation of truth over this issue has had a long precedent and we should question why it is necessary.  penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/gay-marriage-is-threatening-our-freedom-of-faith/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/gay-marriage-is-threatening-our-freedom-of-faith/#item8354 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 One of the many enduring myths of Australian politics is that former prime minister John Howard defiantly imposed a goods and services tax on an unwilling populace despite promising that he would “never, ever” do such a thing. He didn’t, of course. By the narrowest of margins, the people re-elected John Howard on a promise of introducing a GST. He had a popular mandate to introduce the tax after he won a second term. He had ruled out the tax while in Opposition ahead of his 1996 win over Paul Keating, declaring the tax was “dead, buried” and would “never, ever” be introduced. He then changed his mind during his first term of office, and went on the now defunct Sunday program with Laurie Oakes to announce his new position, for which he would seek a mandate at the 1998 election. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/abbott-cant-give-a-straight-answer-on-gay-marriage/ The intense gay lobby is still furious that Labor has declared a conscience vote on same-sex marriage, and Tony Abbott probably is just as angry. But from that point, the two camps divide. The Opposition is under no obligation - moral or political - to allow its MPs a conscience vote on same-sex marriage just because Labor needed to approve one to rescue Julia Gillard’s authority. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott would be perfectly entitled, should his shadow cabinet back him, to tell his troops the Coalition would have a fixed position which all would be asked to support. And it is likely that position would be one of total rejection. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/abbott-cant-give-a-straight-answer-on-gay-marriage/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/abbott-cant-give-a-straight-answer-on-gay-marriage/#item7300 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 One of the many enduring myths of Australian politics is that former prime minister John Howard defiantly imposed a goods and services tax on an unwilling populace despite promising that he would “never, ever” do such a thing. He didn’t, of course. By the narrowest of margins, the people re-elected John Howard on a promise of introducing a GST. He had a popular mandate to introduce the tax after he won a second term. He had ruled out the tax while in Opposition ahead of his 1996 win over Paul Keating, declaring the tax was “dead, buried” and would “never, ever” be introduced. He then changed his mind during his first term of office, and went on the now defunct Sunday program with Laurie Oakes to announce his new position, for which he would seek a mandate at the 1998 election. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-piece-of-paper-between-me-and-happiness/ The Age reported this morning that former Tasmanian premier David Bartlett has called on the Labor Party to overturn marriage laws that prevent gay marriage, even by Australians in countries where same-sex marriages are legal. The call came after Bartlett’s half-sister, Angela Borella, was prevented from marrying her partner in Portugal. Here, Angela tells her story. I met her earlier this year in Indonesia. She is Portuguese. I am Australian. We knew after ten days that we never wanted to be apart, so when my medical volunteer contract ended in Indonesia six weeks later, I flew to Portugal to be with her and we now live in Lisbon. She is the most kind, caring and beautiful person I have ever met. It is like we’ve always known each other. She knows me better than I know myself. I’ve never felt so loved in my entire years. I would give everything I have for her happiness. She makes me feel complete and whole. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-piece-of-paper-between-me-and-happiness/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-piece-of-paper-between-me-and-happiness/#item7233 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 One of the many enduring myths of Australian politics is that former prime minister John Howard defiantly imposed a goods and services tax on an unwilling populace despite promising that he would “never, ever” do such a thing. He didn’t, of course. By the narrowest of margins, the people re-elected John Howard on a promise of introducing a GST. He had a popular mandate to introduce the tax after he won a second term. He had ruled out the tax while in Opposition ahead of his 1996 win over Paul Keating, declaring the tax was “dead, buried” and would “never, ever” be introduced. He then changed his mind during his first term of office, and went on the now defunct Sunday program with Laurie Oakes to announce his new position, for which he would seek a mandate at the 1998 election. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/why-gay-people-are-less-healthy-and-how-to-fix-it/ There is a strong connection between gays and lesbians having the choice to marry and significantly improving their mental and physical health. The link has been highlighted by the American Psychological Association which recently issued a statement citing the growing number of studies into marriage and the mental health of same-sex attracted people. According to the statement, which was unanimously endorsed by the APA’s governing body, denying same-sex attracted people the right to marry: a) excludes them from the many health benefits of marriage, b) reinforces “minority stigma” against them and their families, and c) may reduce the longevity of their relationships. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/why-gay-people-are-less-healthy-and-how-to-fix-it/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/why-gay-people-are-less-healthy-and-how-to-fix-it/#item7170 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 One of the many enduring myths of Australian politics is that former prime minister John Howard defiantly imposed a goods and services tax on an unwilling populace despite promising that he would “never, ever” do such a thing. He didn’t, of course. By the narrowest of margins, the people re-elected John Howard on a promise of introducing a GST. He had a popular mandate to introduce the tax after he won a second term. He had ruled out the tax while in Opposition ahead of his 1996 win over Paul Keating, declaring the tax was “dead, buried” and would “never, ever” be introduced. He then changed his mind during his first term of office, and went on the now defunct Sunday program with Laurie Oakes to announce his new position, for which he would seek a mandate at the 1998 election. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/human-relationships-are-a-many-splendored-thing/ It is our human relationships that give meaning to our existence. They make the joys of life joyous and the sadness in life sad. The sharing of experiences provides our context, the reference point for our hopes, our travails, our daily endeavours. Our interrelationships define our society, inspire our creativity. Democracy and art are both functions of the truth that we do not live alone. For many of us this communitarian conviction lies at the core of our politics. Human relationships haven’t much changed for hundreds of years. Despite the wishes or ignorance of some – whether blissful or baleful – humans have been loving each other in many different ways for centuries. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/human-relationships-are-a-many-splendored-thing/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/human-relationships-are-a-many-splendored-thing/#item7003 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 One of the many enduring myths of Australian politics is that former prime minister John Howard defiantly imposed a goods and services tax on an unwilling populace despite promising that he would “never, ever” do such a thing. He didn’t, of course. By the narrowest of margins, the people re-elected John Howard on a promise of introducing a GST. He had a popular mandate to introduce the tax after he won a second term. He had ruled out the tax while in Opposition ahead of his 1996 win over Paul Keating, declaring the tax was “dead, buried” and would “never, ever” be introduced. He then changed his mind during his first term of office, and went on the now defunct Sunday program with Laurie Oakes to announce his new position, for which he would seek a mandate at the 1998 election. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/No-kidding-gay-couples-make-great-parents-/ If we ever needed proof that politicians should respectfully butt out of moral issues like gay marriage, we got it this week in South Australia. On Monday – the same day we learnt that the number of Australian households with mum, dad and kids is set to plummet to just 22 per cent within 15 years – outgoing Premier Mike Rann said the time for same-sex marriage had arrived. So, after effectively putting the issue in the too-hard basket for almost a decade as premier and also during a stint as Labor’s national president, Mr Rann has a rainbow epiphany on the eve of his departure. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/No-kidding-gay-couples-make-great-parents-/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/No-kidding-gay-couples-make-great-parents-/#item6935 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 One of the many enduring myths of Australian politics is that former prime minister John Howard defiantly imposed a goods and services tax on an unwilling populace despite promising that he would “never, ever” do such a thing. He didn’t, of course. By the narrowest of margins, the people re-elected John Howard on a promise of introducing a GST. He had a popular mandate to introduce the tax after he won a second term. He had ruled out the tax while in Opposition ahead of his 1996 win over Paul Keating, declaring the tax was “dead, buried” and would “never, ever” be introduced. He then changed his mind during his first term of office, and went on the now defunct Sunday program with Laurie Oakes to announce his new position, for which he would seek a mandate at the 1998 election. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/whats-that-gillards-giving-into-gay-marriage/ Reports out this morning suggest Julia Gillard’s staunch opposition to marriage equality is starting to give way. According to senior sources within the Labor Party the pressure on the Prime Minister has grown so great that she is planning to announce support for a conscience vote on marriage equality as early as next week. Ms Gillard has proudly fronted the anti-equality campaign and declared her opposition to same-sex marriage at every opportunity. penberthyd@newsltd.com.au (David Penberthy) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/whats-that-gillards-giving-into-gay-marriage/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/whats-that-gillards-giving-into-gay-marriage/#item6929 Sat, 26 May 2012 20:00:40 +0000 One of the many enduring myths of Australian politics is that former prime minister John Howard defiantly imposed a goods and services tax on an unwilling populace despite promising that he would “never, ever” do such a thing. He didn’t, of course. By the narrowest of margins, the people re-elected John Howard on a promise of introducing a GST. He had a popular mandate to introduce the tax after he won a second term. He had ruled out the tax while in Opposition ahead of his 1996 win over Paul Keating, declaring the tax was “dead, buried” and would “never, ever” be introduced. He then changed his mind during his first term of office, and went on the now defunct Sunday program with Laurie Oakes to announce his new position, for which he would seek a mandate at the 1998 election.