Fwd: [SYDNEY STAR] Bob Carr 'comes out': push now on for gay lawreform]
Michael McPhail
April 1 1999
Bob Carr 'comes out': push now on for gay law reform
By David Lemming
The Premier of New South Wales, Mr Bob Carr, told a literary gathering
last night that he is bisexual and has "an understanding" with his wife.
Mr Carr told the small, Double Bay launch of a Don Dunstan memoir that
he had an ongoing relationship with a well known American literary
figure but declined to name the man.
Reached for comment at his Italian villa late last night the author Mr
Gore Vidal denied that it was him. Vidal added that, "I do know who it
is. Robert has discussed this with me privately at length, however it's
up to him to say who it is."
Vidal applauded Carr for his announcement. "It's very brave of Robert, I
have always thought of him as a man with great vision," he said.
Carr's announcement will likely speed moves for gay law reform, pushed
yesterday by the Labor Council of NSW Secretary, Mr Michael Costa. Costa
urged the Government to speed up its review of State laws to give gays
equivalent legal rights to heterosexuals.
• Gay activists reacted with jubilation at the news.
The Co-President of the Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby, Ms Kathy Sant, who
is aligned with the Labor party, said "it's absolutely fabulous news."
Sant said that her group would now "quadruple" their efforts for further
gay law reform. "It would be the height of hypocrisy for Mr Carr to now
refuse to push the issue," she said.
• However a bisexual activist, Mr Wayne Roberts, said that,
"unfortunately Bob couldn't join the Mardi Gras under their present
policies." Mr Carr told the gathering that he hoped that his
announcement would "not be blown up out of all proportion".
Carr said that he regarded the stance of Don Dunstan, the bisexual
former Premier of South Australia who died earlier this year, as "the
best policy".
Dunstan was well known as bisexual but never made a public announcement.
Carr said that he was "no Ian McKellan, more a Nigel Hawthorne",
comparing himself with the distinguished English actor Sir Nigel
Hawthorne, who is homosexual but has protested that he would prefer it
not be an issue. Sir Ian McKellan is the Oscar nominated actor who has
campaigned for gay rights.
The opposition leader, Ms Kerry Chikarovski, said "I will not be making
any comment on this except to say that Bob's private life is his own
concern".
However the National Party leader Mr George Souris said, "I don't think
this will play at all well in the Bush. We don't think that the Premier
should be promoting that sort of thing."
The Morals Crusader Mr Fred Nile pledged last night to organise a
protest rally by "concerned Christians" outside Parliament House.
Mr Barry Lowe, a Sydney playwright, who attended the gathering told The
Star, "it was amazing. No one was expecting it at all and I've never
believed the gossip. Bob and his wife held hands while he was speaking.
It was actually quite touching." Mr Carr has refused to comment further
on his announcement.
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RICHARD SNODGRASS
The Sydney Star
April 1 1999
Bob Carr 'comes out': push now on for gay law reform
By David Lemming
The Premier of New South Wales, Mr Bob Carr, told a literary gathering
last night that he is bisexual and has "an understanding" with his wife.
Mr Carr told the small, Double Bay launch of a Don Dunstan memoir that
he had an ongoing relationship with a well known American literary
figure but declined to name the man.
Reached for comment at his Italian villa late last night the author Mr
Gore Vidal denied that it was him. Vidal added that, "I do know who it
is.
Could it be SAM DAIMON? Or maybe Steven KIng?
Fred Bradford
Fred Bradford
-Fred Bradford (Los Angeles)
RICHARD SNODGRASS wrote:
>
> The Sydney Star
> April 1 1999
>
> Bob Carr 'comes out': push now on for gay law reform
> By David Lemming
>
> The Premier of New South Wales, Mr Bob Carr, told
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