Same-sex equality a basic Liberal ideal

The platform providing the most comfort to opponents of gay civil rights is that of the Northern Territory. It supports a "progressive party committed to social, economic and political progress within a framework of traditional conservative values". However, the NT platform provides Howard with little to work with.

The federal platform commits the party to continuing Robert Menzies' vision for adapting to a changing society. "Liberalism," it argues, "is not a fixed ideology but a broad-based political philosophy that relates a core set of enduring values to the changing realities and challenges that societies confront over time".

Perhaps the most telling argument in favour of reform is how each division of the Liberal Party treats same-sex couples. Every division except Queensland offers a joint, couple or family membership. If you apply online, none of the membership forms stipulates requirements for the gender mix of a joint membership. In fact, the default setting on the Tasmanian and ACT division websites is for two people, both with the title "Mr".

Of course, each Liberal Party platform also supports the role of the family. But none chooses to define what constitutes a family, rightly leaving that question open to the diverse interpretations appropriate for the contemporary mix of modern Australian society.

The party has always had divisions between its conservative and liberal wings. In the cabinet debate, ministers Malcolm Turnbull, Brendan Nelson, Joe Hockey and Philip Ruddock argued for the reforms. It is believed Howard also argued in favour of reform. In a tight election, Howard has clearly been spooked by the Australian Christian Lobby, which is campaigning against reform. Given his low polling, Howard needs all the friends he can get. But to win an election campaign a party always needs to hold its base, and the base is rarely impressed by short-term policy shifts.

Howard's conservatism should lead him to support reform recognising the dignity of same-sex couples. His critics have always wrongly equated his conservatism with regressivism.

The Prime Minister has, unfortunately, missed his chance to prove his critics wrong.