Australia’s conservative opposition swept to power on Saturday, ending six years of Labor Party rule and the hopes of gay marriage supporters.
“The coalition has won 13 seats clearly and with 10 seats still in play,” Australia’s newly-elected Prime Minister Tony Abbott told supporters gathered at Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel. “And I can inform you that the Australian Labor Party’s vote is at the lowest level in more than 100 years.”
“I now look forward to forming a government that is competent, that is trustworthy and which purposefully and steadfastly and methodically sets about to delivering on our commitments to you, the Australian people,” he added.
For a brief period, Australia had a prime minister who supported marriage equality.
In late June, Kevin Rudd returned to his former post, ousting Julia Gillard as the head of the Labor Party. The remarkable turn of events came roughly a month after Rudd reversed course on his opposition to such unions.
Abbott has repeatedly stated his opposition to expanding Australia’s marriage laws to include gay couples.
Last week, Rudd passionately defended his support for marriage equality.
by Carlos Santoscoy
Source – On Top Magazine
