Nothing radical about equal opportunities for all citizens

Gay activists felt abandoned by Mark Latham's support for Howard's commitment that marriage should be between a man and a woman. The ACT Government's bill was designed to enrage the federal Government and be overturned for Labor's political benefit. Had a state government passed the same bill it may have stood, but sections would likely have been in conflict with federal law and the federal government's constitutional responsibility to define and establish marriage.

Political pragmatism has always ensured the PM is attuned to backbenchers' concerns because they are often attuned to voter sentiment. Voters may not support gay marriage but they don't believe same-sex couples should be locked out of government benefits. Debate on gay marriage has been suffocated by a failing to consider why government is regulating marriage in the first place.

Regardless, Howard faces the challenge that many gay Australians vote Liberal because of their support for small government and fiscal conservatism. But their patience has been wearing thin.

In the face of a difficult election the PM is also playing smart politics. Reforming government attitudes to same-sex relationships may even appeal to doctors' wives. It will also pre-empt the forthcoming Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission report that details government discrimination against same-sex couples. Howard should be able to take confidence that, according to his values, he is delivering conservative reform for same-sex couples.