Two marriage equality bills in the House
Not one, but two private members bills that would end the prohibition of gay marriage were introduced to the House of Representatives yesterday. The first is co-sponsored by Adam Bandt of the Greens, and Andrew Wilkie, the second introduced by [...]
![It’s complicated](http://web.archive.org./web/20120803060605im_/http://larvatusprodeo.net/files/2012/01/carey-bieber.jpg)
It’s complicated
Because apparently the best way to counter simplistic, misguided arguments is by making different simplistic, misguided arguments.
![How to conduct the debate on same sex marriage](http://web.archive.org./web/20120803060605im_/http://larvatusprodeo.net/files/2011/12/EqualLoveMarch-150x150.jpg)
How to conduct the debate on same sex marriage
It’s inevitable that the debate on same sex marriage, which has reached a new level since the passage in Queensland last week of the Civil Partnerships Bill and the decisions of the ALP National Conference on the weekend, will be [...]
![Andrew Fraser’s Civil Unions bill being considered by parliamentary committee](http://web.archive.org./web/20120803060605im_/http://larvatusprodeo.net/files/2011/11/treasurer-andrew-fraser-150x150.jpg)
Andrew Fraser’s Civil Unions bill being considered by parliamentary committee
The Legal Affairs, Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services Committee of the Queensland Parliament is holding public hearings today on a bill introduced by Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser to enshrine civil unions in state law. The text of the Civil Partnerships [...]
![Tone](http://web.archive.org./web/20120803060605im_/http://www.scribepublications.com.au/files/book/cover_image/581/medium/Tony_Abbott_LR.jpg?1315374282)
Tone
I really wanted to write a good review of this book, but this was not the book to do it. Abbott is a conviction politician, no matter how angry certain commenter may be when I say that. He wants power, yes, and he is ruthless in his pursuit of it. But he wants power for a reason, not just for its own sake. I just hope that the debate this book sparked gets people talking about what those reasons are.
![2011 Melbourne Cup thread](http://web.archive.org./web/20120803060605im_/http://larvatusprodeo.net/files/2011/10/racehorse_jeff_kubina-150x150.jpg)
2011 Melbourne Cup thread
It’s that time of year again. Post whatever you like about the Melbourne Cup – tips for Tuesday, anecdotes, trivia, deconstruction, equine sock puppets, fashion advice, hangover cures, etc.
![Saudi women can now vote (still can’t drive)](http://web.archive.org./web/20120803060605im_/http://larvatusprodeo.net/files/2011/09/votes_for_women.png)
Saudi women can now vote (still can’t drive)
King Abdullah said his decision came because “we refuse marginalising women’s role in the Saudi society in all fields” and followed “consultations with several scholars”.
![Addressing the preconditions of atrocities: Silvestri](http://web.archive.org./web/20120803060605im_/http://larvatusprodeo.net/files/2011/07/bano-rashid-funeral-150x150.jpg)
Addressing the preconditions of atrocities: Silvestri
Writing at Open Democracy, Sara Silvestri makes an excellent argument about the massacres in Norway, and how we should act to avoid their repetition.
![Must read: Shakira Hussein on Norway and terror](http://web.archive.org./web/20120803060605im_/http://larvatusprodeo.net/files/2011/07/islam-peace-150x150.jpg)
Must read: Shakira Hussein on Norway and terror
Shakira Hussein has written the best piece I’ve seen on the response to the massacres in Norway.
![Breivik not a ‘crazed loner’, but a terrorist](http://web.archive.org./web/20120803060605im_/http://larvatusprodeo.net/files/2011/07/norway-mourning-610x444-150x150.png)
Breivik not a ‘crazed loner’, but a terrorist
We mourn the victims of these massacres by working to ensure that such abominations never occur again. To do that effectively, it is necessary to understand, without illusions and avoiding polemics, why this tragedy occurred.
![On the reaction to the tragedy in Norway](http://web.archive.org./web/20120803060605im_/http://larvatusprodeo.net/files/2011/07/nolarge-150x150.gif)
On the reaction to the tragedy in Norway
Commentary which seems to gloat “Oh look! It wasn’t a Muslim, but a right wing Christian” reinscribes the crazy narratives about terrorism and political violence which precisely require a more dispassionate analysis.