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Tony Abbott isn’t a gay alley — and people are right to point out some less than shinning remarks he has made in the past.
But let’s step back: is he really this unashamed homophobe? And, in any case, does that mean he should be “cancelled”?
But let’s step back: is he really this unashamed homophobe? And, in any case, does that mean he should be “cancelled”?
Abbott opposed SSM — on religious grounds.
You can argue opposing SSM is homophobic, but do remember most politicians opposed SSM till very recently.
Notably, Julia Gillard viciously opposed SSM when she was in office. The Abbott Govt set in motion SSM’s legalisation.
You can argue opposing SSM is homophobic, but do remember most politicians opposed SSM till very recently.
Notably, Julia Gillard viciously opposed SSM when she was in office. The Abbott Govt set in motion SSM’s legalisation.
At a personal level, Abbott is known to be courteous and kind to gay and trans people.
Abbott’s sister is a lesbian. Despite claims on Twitter, Abbott went to the wedding to celebrate her marriage. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-02/tony-abbott-attends-christine-forster-virginia-flitcroft-wedding/9370278">https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018...
Abbott’s sister is a lesbian. Despite claims on Twitter, Abbott went to the wedding to celebrate her marriage. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-02/tony-abbott-attends-christine-forster-virginia-flitcroft-wedding/9370278">https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018...
Catherine McGregor — the world’s most senior transgender military officer — spoke of the personal support provided by Abbott when she came out. (Albeit she later ended her friendship with Abbott.) https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/apr/08/transgender-officer-says-tony-abbott-deserves-more-credit-for-supporting-her">https://www.theguardian.com/australia...
So while Abbott isn’t an LGBT rights advocate, the evidence that he’s an unashamed hater of gay people just isn’t there.
But even if it was, this has very little bearing on whether he can take up a role advising on trade.
But even if it was, this has very little bearing on whether he can take up a role advising on trade.
The Abbott Government concludes three major trade deals: China, Japan and South Korea. While negotiating a bunch more that were signed subsequently.
Australia has a shinning global record on free trade — a field that the U.K. is now reentering after decades in the EU.
Australia has a shinning global record on free trade — a field that the U.K. is now reentering after decades in the EU.
Abbott can no doubt, as a former Prime Minister, provide some advice and advocacy to deliver freer trade.
That would be a good thing, and is totally separate from any alleged views on social issues.
That would be a good thing, and is totally separate from any alleged views on social issues.
*ally
