Australia's conservative opposition swept to power on Saturday,
ending six years of Labor Party rule and the hopes of gay marriage
supporters.
“The coalition has won 13 seats clearly and with 10 seats still
in play,” Australia's newly-elected Prime Minister Tony Abbott told
supporters gathered at Sydney's Four Seasons Hotel. “And I can
inform you that the Australian Labor Party's vote is at the lowest
level in more than 100 years.”
“I now look forward to forming a government that is competent,
that is trustworthy and which purposefully and steadfastly and
methodically sets about to delivering on our commitments to you, the
Australian people,” he added.
For a brief period, Australia had a prime minister who supported
marriage equality.
In late June, Kevin Rudd returned to his former post, ousting
Julia Gillard as the head of the Labor Party. The remarkable turn of
events came roughly a month after Rudd reversed course on his
opposition to such unions.
Abbott has repeatedly stated his opposition to expanding
Australia's marriage laws to include gay couples.
(Related: Katy
Perry says Tony Abbott can't have her vote because he opposes gay
marriage.)
Last week, Rudd passionately defended his support for marriage
equality.
(Related: Australian
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd defends gay marriage.)