Australian PM stymies gay marriage push, for now

Bravely finding yet another issue on which to lead his country down the wrong path. He really is the worst leader in the developed world.

'Abbott, a conservative who once trained to be a Catholic priest'

I'm already fearful of anything he says on matters regarding sexual behavior.

I appreciate that this is an important issue for those who want to marry their same sex partners and can be seen as a general statement about permissiveness and tolerance of a society. however think that the country faces a ton more serious issues that are of greater importance and relevance to the populace at large.

What a fool, he should have stayed a Catholic priest. What a disgrace

This seems strangely out of step with the general easy-going, socially liberal image of Australia. Leader's personal religious beliefs should play no role.

his Liberal/National coalition had come out...

Indeed.

And now those Aussies amoung us here who love dumping on 'septics' can shut your gobs.

Put your own house in order.

And now those Aussies amoung us here who love dumping on 'septics' can shut your gobs.Put your own house in order.

Well said, Black Sabbath. America, Spain, France, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, the UK, New Zealand, Sweden, etc etc - pretty much every developed and enlightened nation - has shown the way for equality and left us in the hands of redneck conservatives. Led by an old, failed priest, Abbott. The guy has failed, lied and embarrassed everyone at pretty much everything in his life - and this is merely his latest failure. The dope will be gone very soon - and marriage equality will be enacted.

America, Spain, France, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, the UK, New Zealand, Sweden

Half of these countries are miles off equality in terms of indigenous peoples - when was gay marriage synonymous with equality?

As cracaphat says - it's not life and death.

At least somebody is thinking straight.

As cracaphat says - it's not life and death.

Actually, it is. Countless young gay people have sadly killed themselves or attempted suicide, growing up in a culture that made them think how they were born was wrong. Ask your gay friends and you will find out.

it's not life and death

It is for gay people, which is why I think only gay people should be deciding whether they get equality in marriage or not. Important decisions for a minority cannot be trusted to the majority

Good on you PM Tony Abbott for standing firm on you’re believed. I agreed with PM. Marriage should be between man and woman but I don't against same sex relation.

I disagree with using of term marriage for same sex couples. I think someone needs to find proper word for same sex couples’ union. No law and no one have discriminating against same sex couple in Australia. Majority of peoples are against using of term “Marriage” for same sex couple and they are not opposing their relation.

Medias are shutting mouth of majority peoples who are against using of term “Marriage” for same sex couple union. On ABC, they are talking about same sex marriage on every minutes and everyday. ABC has openly discriminating against peoples who are opposing same sex marriage.

Also peoples should have able to express freely for their opinion about same sex relationship. Peoples should have health debate on same sex union. Some peoples are worry about future human race than moral issue on increasing popularity of same sex relation thanks to Medias for being pro-same sex relationship and promoting same sex relationship.

Now Medias are discriminating against peoples who are opposing same sex relation and peoples who against using of term “Marriage” for same sex couple union.

I believe Australia should have full constitutional referendum for same sex union but pro-same sex camp should find proper word for same sex union and should not use of term “Marriage” for same sex union.