It’s a bit late: Julia Gillard backflips on same-sex marriage

IS Julia Gillard a sheep or a shepherd? After three years, I think I just got my answer, writes Matt Young.

London 15th June 2015. Australian ex-PM Julia Gillard speaks at Fortune: Most Powerful Women International Summit gala dinner at Rosewood Hotel in Holborn. Pic Ella Pellegrini

OPINION

“Better late than never.”

That’s the kind of response flooding my social media feeds regarding Julia Gillard’s backflip on same-sex marriage.

I mean, sure, they’re right, but I say this through pursed lips.

Back in 2012, when Ms Gillard was Prime Minister, I wrote her an open letter, asking her to be a pioneer for the fight against marriage equality.

“The world is changing,” I wrote.

“Gay marriage will happen. But the question is, will you be a sheep or a shepherd?”

A few weeks later, I received a response.

Not from Ms Gillard, mind you, but a senior adviser by the name of Mathew Jose.

“As I’m sure you’re aware, the Gillard Labor Government has a proud record of delivering reforms for the GLBTI (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex) community that is unparalleled by any Government in Australian history, or any other party in the Parliament,” it read.

Sure, Mr Jose was right.

But then, “The government will not be introducing legislation to change the definition of marriage in the Marriage Act 1961.”

Ms Gillard continued to publicly oppose same-sex marriage. In fact in 2011, she voted against it in Parliament.

“I am aware that this vote by me was viewed as odd by many given what they know of my broader values,” Ms Gillard said yesterday during a speech at Victoria University to honour Michael Kirby.

“I am keenly aware my position was idiosyncratic.”

You think? It’s kind of like ordering a hot chocolate with whipped cream, but asking for skim milk.

That’s you, right there, Julia.

Here’s the thing about the fight for marriage equality: In recent times, most of the politicians who can make a difference about it are against it until the tide sways the other way.

Kevin Rudd, Bill Shorten, Wayne Swan and oh ... look at that, Julia Gillard.

Few have truly stuck it out (shout out to Adam Bandt, Tanya Plibersek and Malcolm Turnbull).

Even in the United States, President Barack Obama initially fought against it.

“I believe marriage is between a man and a woman,” he drooled with the usual hoo-ha in 2008.

“I am not in favor of gay marriage.”

Fast forward seven years and he’s one of the community’s most avid supporters.

Just last week President Obama appointed the first openly-transgender White House staff member. That’s a really big deal.

So what truly motivates these people to change their positions?

The pessimist in me says it’s all a strategic political move to keep favour with Australian voters, given the tide of public support.

Perhaps they’re looking to find favor with international counterparts, given we’re oh, you know, just the LAST developed, English speaking country to approve of it.

Or maybe they always supported it, but were tied by party lines, investors, or were terrified they might fall out of favor.

It’s tough to sit there and watch full equality get voted down year after year, my rights dangling like a carrot in front of me.

This is why, no matter the time, we need strong leadership. One that listens to its people. To its cries.

Why can’t the gay community share in the joys of marriage, just like the heterosexual community? We’re not evil, we’re not animals.

But is Julia Gillard a sheep or a shepherd? After three years, I think I just got my answer.