Australian PM Kevin Rudd defends gay marriage stance

Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd has passionately defended his position in support of same sex marriage on television programme Q&A, ahead of the federal election.

When questioned by audience member and New Hope Church pastor Matt Prater as to why Rudd, who identifies himself as a Christian, is now in favour of marriage equality, the PM explained he arrived at his conclusion through an informed Christian conscious.  

“I took a position [in support of same sex marriage] … because I concluded in my conscious, through an informed conscious and a Christian conscious, it was the right thing to do,” said Rudd.

“I do not believe people, when they are born, choose their sexuality … and therefore the idea this is somehow an abnormal condition is wrong,” Rudd added. 

When Kevin redirected the question, as to the pastor’s position on same sex marriage, Prater said he believes in the biblical definition that marriage should be exclusively between a man and a woman. Prater then posed the question of how the PM can call himself as a Christian yet not follow the words of Jesus. 

In response Rudd said the bible also advocates slavery as a natural condition, which incited a vigorous round of applauds from the audience.

“The bible also says that slavery is a natural condition because St Paul said in the New Testament: ‘slaves be obedient to your masters,’ and therefore we should all have fought for the confederacy in the US civil war,” stated Rudd.

“I mean, for goodness sake, the human condition and social conditions change. What is the fundamental principle of the New Testament? It is one of universal love, loving your fellow man,” Rudd continued.

The Prime Minister’s comments led to an outpour of support, with many media personalities and social commentators taking to social media to second Rudd’s sentiment. 

For his part, pastor Prater has said he is glad he questioned Rudd on the matter. 

 “I had an idea he would respond like that because I’ve read some of his views before on the way he interprets the Bible. It was good to actually hear it and make him state his case clearly,” said Prater

“It certainly won’t change my view … I feel like I need to stick to my guns. Like [opposition leader] Tony Abbott is sticking to his guns, I’ll stick to mine,” Prater concluded.

Marc Zanotti