Reality hit hard. The idealised image of the new Australian prime minister, Julia Gillard, of a beacon of hope and bearer of popular social change ended when reality hit that she is an opportunistic politician like the rest of them. When questioned about remarks made in July 2009 opposing gay marriage, in a radio interview yesterday Gillard upheld them stating that the current marriage act, which explicitly states that marriage is only between a man and a woman, is still relevant and reflects her own personal beliefs. Gillard, coming from the Victorian Left faction of the Australian Labor Party (ALP), which earlier this year stated its support for gay marriage, was hoped that she would push for gay marriage as recent polls suggest that 60% of the Australian public is firmly behind it, and being an open atheist, she doesn't have the excuse or justification of devout religious beliefs (as was the case with Kevin Rudd) to hide behind. As the federal election looms, this surprising statement from Gillard shows the power the religious vote now has over Australian politics and social policy, a factor that barely existed as recent as 10 years ago. However, Gillard also has a history of claiming full support for policies or leaders only to later go against her words, as was the case in her support for Kevin Rudd's leadership.
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