Bernadi bounced.

[Rorschach]

Shadow parliamentary secretary Cory Bernadi quits after comparing gay marriage to bestiality
* by: By Malcolm Farr, National Political Reporter and AAP
* From: news.com.au
* September 19, 2012 12:26PM

SENATOR Cory Bernardi, the right-wing Liberal senator, today resigned as Tony Abbott's right-hand man over comments linking gay marriage with bestiality. And so he should have... it was an idiotic statement.

The controversial senator was on his way to a young conservative leaders' conference in London when he spoke to the Opposition Leader and offered his resignation.

He was a step ahead of being sacked as his Liberal colleagues condemned his comments made in the Senate last night. So they should have.

His job as parliamentary secretary to Mr Abbott will be filled by former John Howard adviser Arthur Sinodinos. Sounds like a good move.

Bernardi's resignation comes as a Labor MP's bill to legalise same-sex marriage has been overwhemingly defeated in the House of Representatives, 42 - 98.

Abbott came under pressure to sack Mr Bernardi, his shadow parliamentary secretary for what Malcolm Turnbull called hysterical and offensive remarks.

“I can only say that is the worst sort of slippery slope argument,” said Mr Turnbull on Sky. I'd say it was just plain dumb.

“It’s hysterical, alarmist, it’s offensive and it does not represent the mainstream view of Australian people let alone the Liberal Party.

“So I totally disassociate myself from those remarks.”

Mr Turnbull had said it was up to Tony Abbott to make a decision on sacking Senator Bernardi.

Senator Bernardi, who has just flown out of Australia, told ABC radio he was not attacking homosexuals.

''I was saying if rationale for same sex unions is about equality, then there are any number of people who would feel disgruntled that their lifestyle choices are not being accepted,'' he said.

He said he wanted to deal with the possibility that the next step could be approval of polygamy rather than sex with animals.

''We’ve already had complaints from those in the polyamorous community about how this will discriminate against them.

''If we will redefine marriage, which I don’t support, well there will always be another cause and I don’t know where it will end. I hope these sorts of ideas never gain traction in broader community.''

South Australian Liberal Christopher Pyne said he was not sure what Senator Bernardi was doing. Being dumb Christopher.

''Nobody should reflect negatively on anybody else’s sexual preferences. Any attempt to do so is quite wrong,'' he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan says Senator Bernardi should be sacked as Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's parliamentary secretary. Well that's what we'd expect from the a shrieking Prog-Left.

"He has made some very offensive remarks, and I think Mr Abbott should show some leadership,'' he told reporters. Ooh guess what Wayne... unlike Labor he did. When you getting rid of Slipper and Thomson?

Assistant Treasurer me-too David Bradbury does not support same-sex marriage, but said he was appalled by the senator's remarks.

"He should be reprimanded.''

Labor MP Amanda Rishworth said Senator Bernardi had taken the civility out of the national conversation. Like Labor does on so many occasions.

"That was a very ugly comment and he should apologise.'' Yes i'd also agree with that.

Liberal MP Stuart Robert defended the decision not to allow Opposition MPs a conscience vote, arguing the Coalition promised before the election not to support marriage between people of the same gender.

But Mr Turnbull said he wants to see debate on laws for gay civil unions if same sex marriage bills fail to pass parliament. And Malcolm wonders why he lost the leadership of a nominally conservative party.

He said Queensland Liberal MP Warren Entsch has been working on drafting such laws.

Meanwhile, Labor MP Stephen Jones, whose private members bill on same sex marriage was being debated in the lower house, said he respected the right of those who believed the proposed legislation was an affront to their religion to hold that view.

"But it's another thing entirely ... to ask the state to enforce it, because we have moved on as a society," he said.

"We no longer believe, as some may hold, that to be gay is somehow wrong, an aberration or for it to be a sin." Except those who would like to see the continuation of the species on the planet.

Independent MP Rob Oakeshott says he will "more than likely" support the legislation, but has concerns about it. Dopeshott...

Labor frontbenchers Anthony Albanese and Stephen Smith spoke in favour of gay marriage. A good reason not to just on its own.

Mr Albanese argued that marriage "is not an unchanging institution" and had evolved over time.

"The way Australians deal with it is just get on with it," he said.

Earlier, Mr Smith told parliament times had changed and many voters in his West Australian electorate had told him that parliament should pass the bill.

"This parliament should recognise same sex couples and allow them equal access to marriage," Mr Smith said.

The debate continues.

[mantra]

We're all so politically correct. I doubt Abbott cared one way or the other about the comment - but had to make a show of asking Bernadi to resign. He's a scapegoat - but what's new amongst politicians.

Bill Heffernan considering all the abuse, racism and personal comments he's dished out to various people over the years - should have been the first one to go a long time ago.

[Rorschach]

Considering your personal dislike for Abbott and your political bias mantra I don't think your opinion is actually gonna mean much.

Bernadi is popular with extremists and fringe dwellers. Also those who like to call themselves Conservative even though his views are more extreme RW than Conservative. You don't have to be RW to be a Conservative.

Abbott did the right thing, so did Bernadi after he realised he'd shot himself in both feet. His political career is now dead in the water. Which in my opinion is a good thing. His Cando site is a biased restrictive gathering place for people like him. I think I got banned from there a couple of years ago for upsetting the poor darlings, all I know is suddenly my posts disappeared and I couldn't logon anymore.

Bernadi isn't a scapegoat, just an idiot. Turnbull hates him. As if that needs to be said.
Abbott punted him as any good leader would.

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http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politi ... 267ua.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Tories unnerved by Bernardi's arrival
excerpts...

Cory Bernardi has flown from one storm of controversy to another, with British news organisations branding the South Australian as "disgraced" ahead of his expected arrival in Oxford this weekend.

Conservative Future, which is organising the summit, is the largest youth political organisation in Britain and is a breeding ground for talent for the UK's Conservative Party.

But it appears Senator Bernardi - who was forced to resign from two shadow parliamentary secretary positions during a phone call with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott - will not be given the red-carpet treatment during his visit.

The UK's Mail Online quoted a Conservative party spokesman as saying: "We haven't organised this event and are not in control of who attends. We strongly condemn Mr Bernardi's comments, which don't reflect [Prime Minister] David Cameron's or the Conservative Party's viewpoint in any way."

Announcing Senator Bernardi's sacking yesterday, Mr Abbott said, comments were "ill-disciplined" and were "views that I think many people would find repugnant".

Senator Bernardi's comments have quickly attracted the attention of the international media, with the Daily Mail calling Mr Bernardi a "disgraced Australian politician". The Guardian also reported on the controversy.

The future's looking bright huh?

[Rorschach]

In acting, Abbott made three gains. First, he dumped a senator few on his own side cared for or about. Bernardi had already put many of his colleagues offside with his Islamophobic writings and speeches.

Second, Abbott sent a message to the rest of the frontbench that he would no longer tolerate ''freelancing''.

Third, he was able to promote two people of real talent - Arthur Sinodinos and Jamie Briggs.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/ ... z26yze04d0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mantra]

I read the above article this morning. Abbott is no doubt getting worried about all the loose lips in his cabinet and those politicians who actually believe that their opinion counts. He's given them freedom up till now - but it would be no surprise if Howard was behind the orders to Abbott to stop the "freelancing". Howard always kept a tight rein on his bunch of silent and obedient soldiers. Most of them wouldn't even look directly at a camera they were so fearful. Personally they reminded me of robots.

I'm not sure Abbott has it in him to control his crew. Still his mentor will hold his paw until he gains a little confidence.

[Rorschach]

Good grief..
Don't you think it's time you got over Howard mantra?

As for the rest... the fact you harbour such political and personal bias is tedious.
Try keeping your opinions based in facts for a change.

[mantra]

I got over Howard a long time ago. I am politically biased in regard to both major parties. Yes my comments might be tedious - but yours aren't exactly stimulating either.

Forums are all about opinions Rorschach - not just bland comments about bland RW opinions.

[Rorschach]

I got over Howard a long time ago.

It's pretty obvious you haven't mantra. You keep bringing him up.

I am politically biased in regard to both major parties.

First, there are more than 2 parties.
Second you have unfounded personal as well as political bias.

Yes my comments might be tedious - but yours aren't exactly stimulating either.

oh... I am so wounded.

Forums are all about opinions Rorschach - not just bland comments about bland RW opinions.

Bland? Moi? Surely not mantra. RW...? Seems you will never learn. I praise and criticise based on facts and am not biased nor am I right wing. Ask Lisa. How is it that in a couple of posts she realises what it's taken you years NOT to?

In case you missed it this is yet another article/topic criticising a Right Winger...

[mantra]

I got over Howard a long time ago.

It's pretty obvious you haven't mantra. You keep bringing him up.

Of course my comments about Howard are irritating - they're meant to be.

Bland? Moi? Surely not mantra. RW...? Seems you will never learn. I praise and criticise based on facts and am not biased nor am I right wing. Ask Lisa. How is it that in a couple of posts she realises what it's taken you years NOT to?

I'm referring to your RW articles. I know how you swing politically - but you do tend to refer to the opinions of the conservatives a lot.