Former PM John Howard claims Turnbull’s government isn’t taking responsibility for SSM debate
THE former Prime Minister had some choice words for Malcolm Turnbull’s approach to the same-sex marriage postal vote.
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FORMER prime minister John Howard has called on Malcolm Turnbull to explain what steps will be taken to protect parental rights, freedom of speech and religious freedom in the event of same-sex marriage becoming law.
Mr Howard says the protections need to be spelled out before the end of the postal survey, which started this week.
“The case for these protections is compelling, given the experience of other countries such as the UK, US and Canada, in the wake of those countries changing their marriage laws,” he said in a statement today.
“This issue must be addressed before the survey is completed; leaving it as something to be taken up only in the event of a Yes vote prevailing is the equivalent of saying that it does not matter,” he said.
Former prime minister John Howard has called out Malcolm Turnbull. Picture: Daniel MunozSource:AAP
There would be “scant opportunity” after the survey result is published on November 15 for serious consideration of protections because of the pressure for parliament to move quickly on legislation.
“On the evidence to date, it would seem that the only protections in that bill will not go much beyond stipulations that no minister, priest, rabbi or imam will be compelled to perform a same-sex marriage ceremony,” Mr Howard said.
It was “completely disingenuous” to say the marriage law change would not have other consequences.
Mr Howard’s savage statement claimed Turnbull’s government was “washing its hands of responsibility” in the now-vicious debate.
“Thus far, the government’s response has been to wash its hands of any responsibility, merely stating that it will facilitate a private member’s bill,” he said.
“It is precisely because parliament should reflect the will of the people that the people are entitled to know what, if anything, the government will do on protections before they vote,” he added.
“Otherwise, people will not be fully informed when they vote.”
