Does Katter's Australian Party support same-sex marriage?

Answer 1

The answer used to be an unequivocal no. In fact, the party's website still says "Marriage is the union of a man and woman, ideally for life. It is in the interests of children that they are nurtured by their father and their mother and laws concerning children should be based on the best interests of children."

However, the press is now reporting that party founder Bob Katter, who now appears to support same-sex marriage, will meet in mid-February 2013 with Party President Max Menzel and National Director Aidan McLindon, both of whom oppose same-sex marriage, to reach an agreement on the issue and avoid what the press is calling the imminent collapse of the party over the issue of same-sex marriage.

In January 2013, Katter's Australian Party ("KAP") endorsed Senate candidate Bernard Gaynor who tweeted that he didn't think gay people should be teachers. Two days later, that endorsement was withdrawn and his party membership was suspended.

Also in January 2013, Tess Corbett, another KAP candidate, withdrew her candidacy after telling a newspaper that she did not believe gay people should have equal rights.

Then, in early February 2013, Steven Bailey, was asked to withdraw his candidacy for a Senate seat in the Australian Capital Territory. Mr. McLindon confirms that he requested this because of Mr. Bailey's support of same-sex marriage, but Bob Katter has come to Mr. Bailey's support and seemingly rescued him from being forced to withdraw.

The apparent change of heart by Mr. Katter was first noted in May 2012 when he publicly expressed regret that his party had run homophobic advertisements during the Queensland election campaign.