Q&A - Has Penny Wong Sold Out on Gay Marriage?

[vikingrich7]

Another foreigner destroying Australia with her perverted way of life that she and all the other Wogs want to impose on Australian people!! Why do Aussies allow these foreign "Idiots" into their country??

[dalhousie44]

@vikingrich7 are you voting for the troll party at the next election by any chance?

[vikingrich7]

@dalhousie44 ## You sound mentally sick!!

[SunsetStorm1]

A lack of leadership *exactly*.

[cpi23]

What. The. Hell.

Politics involving nuanced arguments? Kudos, Australia.

[Schnaeblae]

Don't be silly, of course Penny Wong wants gay marriage but she can't disagree with a major Labor policy! Why would you crucify someone who is doing everything she can to get us to a place where we can vote on Same Sex Marriage and win?

[007cambon]

this  rice burning dyke needs to fuck off back to where ever she crawled out from.

[RrasenganN]

@007cambon You sexist, homophobic ass.

[Schnaeblae]

@007cambon she was born and raised in Adelaide dipshit

[tommo1313]

what was the question again

[mangostar280]

LOL

[AuslandCharlie]

When my friends &I first heard the Miss Wong wasn't going for gay marriage we were saddened even a bit disappointed. Then we thought about it &we've witnessed what has happened to Australian politics over the last year. Now we respect her more. It's so easy to slam the party you're in due to one or two differing opinions. (...)

[AuslandCharlie]

@AuslandCharlie

(...) In many ways the respect that was once placed with our policticans is gone. Miss Wong, however, is willing to push where she can & accept where she can't. This is a sign of not only a good ploitican but a good person as well.

[manben67]

she is a fakkwitt, a better country without greens

[manben67]

she is a fakkwitt

[lukes6962]

richo always nails it. she is one person in the government. and lets be honest, even if the PM had this view she would probably be overuled by the party and be stabbed in the back. you join a political party you believe in their views. if you disagree with it, be an independent and you wont have any party lines to follow.

[lukecpjensen]

I have no idea who the old man that talks at the end is, but i completely agree with him, being gay myself i can actually understand that things do not happen over night, full equality has yet to be achieved but we are getting there and as long as we continue to keep this issue up in the air, eventually all australians will be equal.

[breadbaker226]

Is she going to be the mother or the father...

[OldNewsThinker]

1:03 - one lone gay asian

[OldNewsThinker]

we are seriously the biggest dumb asses because we vote these people in and then complain about it

[colindominy]

Re Penny Wong's gay-partner's artificial-pregnancy. This bothers me a little. Sure .. the child will receive abundant love from the unmarried Penny & Sophie. But - what longstanding PSYCHOLOGICAL damage 'll be done to the child in its formative years, 1 to 10 y.o. .. when its schoolyard peers ask "Where's your Dad / How Come you don't have a Dad ?" Potentially damaging to the kid into adulthood. I'm NOT a Fred Nile type reactionary nor a catholic right-wing extremist. But kids need a DAD too.

[Miyabiii]

@colindominy that is stupid... its not the relationship potentially 'damaging' the child.. its the fault of the parents who bring up their children in such a way thinking peoples lifestyles are wrong and bullying other kids.. by your logic the kids would bully anyone from a minority

[spaceunicorn]

@colindominy Your view goes against almost every study done by paediatric and psychiatric organizations worldwide. Shed your ego and do some research before becoming so entrenched in obtuse opinion.

[bigswano]

Richo nails it

[Soundgarden8497]

penny wong/penis wrong shouldn't be a politician in australia

[morrison2791]

Penny wong is a communist

[laharlifp]

@yodaisadragqueen ACL - the petri dish cultivating catholic extremists in Australia. - Look at the Brisbane Adshel debacle

[laharlifp]

@deathxawaits - turn your mirror of omniscient high depth perspective on your self to find the true image of who is "dumb"......

[laharlifp]

From a political perspective it must kill her soul some what to have to support such a political position malevolent to her existence. I do believe that more can be done by Penni for gay rights by standing with the "pack" and changing ideas internally.... essentially if she doesn't support the party, the party will not support her. Good question to put in the ring, Good answer from Penni... anger should be thrown at the members who dont support, not the ones that are trying to change minds.

[carrotxdawg]

The man who spoke last has a fair point. Penny is in a tight position where she has to play politics in order to achieve reform, despite disagreeing with it. Malcom Turnball spoke out for the ETS and as a result he was axed as party head. Kevin Rudd took charge of the Mining Tax and was axed as well. You have to be strategic within politics, and she's in a position where she can fight for right reforms as she slowly waits for the conservative labours faction to wittle away into minority.

[roguequokka]

I fully support the recognition of gay and lesbian unions under law and always have but why is it wrong to want a strictly heterosexual union to exist? What's so wrong with the term "Marriage" describing the union of a man and a woman and having Gay and Lesbian people apply their own unique term to such a union. Is this about rights or poltical correctness?

[bigswano]

christine milne is great

[tastybeeshcake]

just because someone is gay does not mean they seek rights to marry. maybe those who talk about prejudice and discrimination should gauge the opinions of gay people as INDIVIDUALS, rather than as a stereotyped collective!

[torment3d]

@tastybeeshcake more specifically, she probably just didn't want to go against the party - power play.

[HotGeneration100]

Penny Penny Penny. 

[CanadianQueer]

As much as I support gay marriage, not to mention benefit from it by being in Canada, I think people can get caught up in the idea that gay marriage is the be all and end all of gay rights. Fighting all or nothing for gay marriage has proven to be a loser for so many LGBTQ people. There could be LGBTQ rights for all Americans right now, but all they have is DOMA and constitutional amendments making it impossible for LGBTQs to have rights. How is that better than a satisfactory compromise?

[Konzert]

Penny Wang! you are a shame as LGBTIQ!!!

[Iseeyoursoul]

lol she should be an american politician. Claim you love freedom while supporting the new police state.

Say you love kids while your military kills hundreds of thousands of them overseas.

Be gay and deny gays their rights.

[JaimesPhazon]

Wong/Gillard/Plibersek etc.. are all feminist lesbians, that HATE men and wish to demoralise this nation and destroy the family.

[Bumblybee256]

@JaimesPhazon Oh you poor little man victim. In your mind are men somehow the moral leaders in the world?

[jeanscreams]

the final comment is soo true. for any change to be made, a compromise to be made. she never said she believed in it, just she supports her party in this decision because she knows that is the cost on her behalf in order to push through other improvements that really make a difference.

its called politics and being smart to actually fight for your cause. do you not think it hurts her to do so, it a sacrifice shes willing to make that no one else will.

[willraz]

lmfao fail

1:02

[conia]

Penny Wong is amazing.She works with the cards she is dealt with. People are expecting her to work miracles and to stand up for them, but SHE HAS LIMITED POWER. She is a capable individual, and if she were not, she would have been kicked off a long time ago. As such a person, she could have easily chosen any other job. Bless her heart for having to stand strong against the front and even towards the people she is trying to help.

[llrotllort]

Gay marriage is a non issue. The constitution of Australia says marriage is between a man and a woman. That's that, and guess what folks what do you need to change the constitution of Australia? A vote. Every politician in Australia will never push this not for a long time. It would never pass in this country.

[laharlifp]

@llrotllort - its actually "The Marriage Act" which is federal legislation - it is not the constitution. - Look it up, Constitution grants power to legislate on marriage to the federal government. - To reform marriage act would take an act of government, not an amendment to the constitution. - Frankly enough, The constitution is a document drafted in the late 1800's and from time to time requires updating to keep with the majority of contemporary societies views in this great nation.

[mervdapervert]

I love the guy clapping awkwardly by himself just after she starts to talk...

[andywho22]

wow that guy owned the debate at the end

[andywho22]

her eyes @ 0:14 lololol

[bismuth900]

If Penny really believed in pushing such an agenda, she'd be an Independent! She doesnt care about the gay agenda, she cares about a nice career in politics where the benefits to the individual outweigh any incentive to do good for the country.

Following someone elses script is a cop-out and sadly reflects so much of Labor today.

[sinclairalex80]

okay, on economics, wouldn't we want to increase tourism to australia, why dont we legalise gay marriage and then there would be man same sex couples from all over the world coming to australia to make there lives complete. just a thought

[MrPinkcarpet]

Penny wongs gets a big FAIL

[sunshine79768]

please people , penny wong cant do this by her self, and here in america, we are no where close to the equality you guys have, just in 5 states is equality in america , give it time it will come.

[mensskintightlowrise]

I like Wong and I like Richo, they both make good points. I had been angry that Wong did not stand out more, but in the end I''d rather have an Asian Lesbian in the parliament on the Labor caucus than outside forlornly throwing bricks. They've made it clear they're pushing as hard as they can, and that their ultimate goal is complete equality. You can only fly so far ahead of the country, even though in this case opinion polls seem to be flying ahead of Labor for once on this issue!

[likesdamoosic]

Minister Wong - you have the best hair in Parliament - no contest!

Richo - you're even better when you're chivalrous & you're generally pretty good!.

Christine Milne - you bulldozed Ms Wong showing how true her words were; ie that she had experienced first hand discrimination and prejudice as an asian/lesbian. You ignored her thoughtful, personal answer. CM If you were the pot of gold at the end of the gay marriage rainbow, no-one would want equality . Minister Wong. Respect Good luck..

[2edsajdmsa]

If you want to think your political party is better from an economic stand point then fine, I'm OK with that.,

But don't sit there pretending you're going to advance gay rights by doing it. I can't see how someone who has suffered from discrimination can pretend she is helping her brothers and sisters by doing this. Anyone who would help a party who inflicts discrimination on a large group of Australians, I find that person offensive and contemptible.

[richspur2004]

@2edsajdmsa criticize the ALP if you must, but lay of Penny Wong. You can't get a political party to support legislation unless you have the numbers and right now she doesn't have the numbers. If she broke out and said I'm pushing this legislation through the parliament whether you like it or not, she'd lose her influence in the party.

You might not be satisfied at the level of progress, but blaming and criticizing Wong won't get you anywhere positive in the long run.

[richspur2004]

I can't believe how harsh people are on Penny Wong. For someone who is a woman, Asian and gay to get elected to parliament alone is hard enough as it is. She is pro gay marriage as is a lot of the ALP's left faction. It may take time, but the legislation will pass and it will be people like Penny Wong who will have done the hard yards!

It's shameful that the Greens make political capital out of issues like this, but I suppose that's what a political machine does when it attempts to grow.

[Romibabygmail]

Shame on Labor party. you are just the party who are selfish.

[TheSobek]

Richo is exactly right, Without Penny we would have nothing: she is a part of the government and if she breaks parliament solidarity we lose a fighter for our cause. At this time we might well have had a media scandal on the subject of disagreement on the issue (particularly after the leaks) which would have lost Labor the election and the gay community any chance we have of securing marriage rights. Anyone who blames Penny for this awful but necessary lie is a fool.

[arualyerac]

@JonJonForTheWin This.

[arualyerac]

It think many people are being overly critical. The fact of the matter is, Aus politics currently features two main parties who A) oppose gay marriage and B) force members to either vote in accordance with party platforms, or face expulsion (in the ALP) or severe unpopularity (LNP).

In practice, this means a gay person cannot be a front bench minister in Aus without some degree of compromise. Penny's choice is this: minister for CC or gay marriage martyr? Which one is more constructive?

[lebo2nvme]

mmm shes embarrassing! wtf??? its like having a black president against african american rights...

[escarpe]

So basically she's just towing the line. How disappointing. We have a PM who is an Atheist who votes against her beliefs and a Minster who is gay and votes against her beliefs. How can I vote for someone who doesn't have the integrity to stand up for what they believe. I agree that out political system is screwed but these people could be standing up to change it, instead they are being changed by it. Disgusting.

[escarpe]

So basically she's just towing the line. How disappointing. We have a PM who is an Atheist who votes against her beliefs and a Minster who is gay and votes against her beliefs. How can I vote for someone who doesn't have the integrity to stand up for what they believe. I agree that out political system is screwed but these people could be standing up to change it, instead they are being changed by it. Disgusting.

[Roguever]

Haha, hear the "bullshit" round 5.30 -- when Richo's weighing in?

It's not really bullshit though. Except in the broader sense.

[Hersheysd]

Turn coat!

[theflyingfox83]

It is unfortunate that people can't understand the intricacy of politics. There are issues that cannot be solve overnight and unfortunately gay marriage is something that cannot be solve within an election. To say anything more would be to lie. Being heterosexual, i think Penny Wong for who she is have done alot of good for the gay community.

[eskoferris]

Same-sex couples can now be recognised at de facto couples - this is progress. But it is not an answer. I am in a same-sex relationship. My partner is not an Australian citizen. Soon her visa will expire, and she will have to leave unless we can claim we are de facto. Were I able to marry her, we would not have to prove the sincerity of our commitment through a year's worth of bank statements and invoices! Love is more than a shared bank account. We are people, not tax returns.

[popaddict]

So bizarre seeing someone shut-down their own human rights with so much conviction just because its what the majority in her party think. Guess what Penny, if this was the 19th century most of that majority would also have the opinion that you can't vote or be in parliament - you wouldn't be sitting up there! She should stop being a hypocrite and stop dressing up her opinion as anything other than way of saving her position in parliament. She should be ashamed.

[sssash93]

@popaddict

The only way she can change the party's position on the issue is if she is actually in the party. Also, she cant just publicly go against what her party says because of collective ministerial responsibility. if everyone that believed in these issues resigned because of their party's position then we wouldnt have progress.

Also, the parliament is supposed to represent the people, and as much as i want equal marriage rights, unfortunately the majority of australians dont.

[popaddict]

@sssash93 I'm sorry but she's on record as having said: "On the issue of marriage I think the reality is there is a cultural, religious, historical view around that which we have to respect". I don't see how someone with that opinion is going to change the party's position while in the party. She's a hypocrite.

[5hutupl1nda]

while i think penny has done alot of gay and lesbian australians, anti-marriage for gays is a form of bigotry and discrimination and should not be tolerated or supported by anyone let alone an openly gay women. penny has openly admitted in this interview she picks and chooses what "rights" for gays and lesbians she will fight for, when in fact what she should be fight for is 100% EQUALITY (including marriage) for all australians. She has betrayed her ideals for Labor and it's a damn shame.

[gambit8457]

Personally I think she believes otherwise, but that's what politicians are about anyways fighting for the interest of their party- and their survival within the party

[SunHillFire]

penny has done so much for gay people. she should be applauded

[GilbertGrape78]

LOL she is a feminist and wants equal right for women but not for gays?? WTF!

MENTAL MENTAL MENTAL! You should be ashamed of yourself Penny, you are a sellout!

[GilbertGrape78]

Penny Wong & Kevin Rudd are actually twins, except Penny got Kevins sexuality & likes the ladies while Kevin secretly likes men & is clearly a nancy boy.

[GilbertGrape78]

LYING! She is hardly keeping eye contact at all with the audience, she is totally lying out her ass, secretly she hates the policy and I guarantee if they lose, she will retire and talk about how she is actually against Labours policy.

[dpearson82]

H21esc - because Penny joined a team and she's advocating inside that team for changes. How is that so hard to see? People would be better of directing their frustrations at those who actually believe the morally bankrupt arguments against same sex marriage!

[iconist1]

Hey whats with the sexist homophobic language? so your angry with her for not standing up against discrimination and then you discriminate. NICE ONE.

[angeltears87]

@iconist1

Discrimination isn't always a bad thing, sometimes it is quite necessary, however there is a difference between bigotry and discrimination. The difference is that one who is bigoted has no justifiable reasons for their discrimination and it invariably leads to harm being caused. Discrimination is justifiable. Such as in grammar schools they discriminate against those with lower marks. Is that wrong?

[Revan46]

All I heard was "blah, blah, blah, I'm a hypocritical cunt, blah, blah"

[H21esc]

Such a shame. How on earth is the gay movement in Australia going to progress when even a gay poltician is against gay rights, just because of the line of her party? Thats a very tribal way of thinking which gets nobody anywhere in Politics unfortunately, and it seems that the mostly conservative Australian parties need to seriously update their ideals to be in line with the otherwise liberally minded Australian public.

[Cnd1867]

@H21esc Well the "liberally" minded public seem happy to support the "conservative" minded parties, coming from a gay person, I think its up to Penny Wong to decide her position on this issue, and getting angry at her is not what western democracies are about.

[H21esc]

@Cnd1867 It is her decision, and I'm not telling her to change it, I'm just questioning it and disappointed at her for it. That's also what liberal democracy is about, questioning your politicians and holding them to account.

[AussiePolitics]

@Cnd1867 what? lol getting angry at politicians is exactly what western politics is all about. or should we never criticise politicians?

[Cnd1867]

@AussiePolitics No getting angry is different from criticize. I like H21esc's post, their disappointed in her, and their questioning it. Getting angry does nothing but lower the tone of debate.

[AussiePolitics]

@Cnd1867 its called being passionate. thats what politics is all about - putting yourself out there and fighting for something you really believe in. most of the debate is very passionate, and people have the right to criticise her for this. would you find it weird if you met a black man who supported slavery?

[kimberleyseetoes]

@H21esc She is not shameful if she went against her party she would have been kicked out or bullied to resign. A lot has changed to make us more equal a lot probably because of her. We need someone in parliament to stand up for us but in a smart way. And I think we do not know everything that is going on in parliament especially in regards to her and how she may be treated. She said it is not the position of the party she didn't say she didn't believe in it.

[Clemburke1111]

What a cunty bull dyke.

[kamlem]

What a depressing clip. :-(