What’s with Harper government’s radio silence on Irish gay marriage?
Surprise! Conservative crickets on Ireland's history gay marriage vote
Talk about Conservative crickets.
Silence appears to be the approach Canada’s Conservative government is taking toward the Republic of Ireland after it became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage by popular referendum.
The absence of any congratulatory words stands in stark contrast to the Obama administration in the United States and David Cameron’s UK government.
Ireland’s own Equality Minister could barely contain his excitement:
Ireland hasn’t just said “Yes”… Ireland has said: “F❤️CK YEAAHHHH”
— Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD (@AodhanORiordain) May 23, 2015
And here’s U.S. Vice President Joe Biden:
We welcome Ireland’s support for equality. #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/11IhOv4yHm
— Vice President Biden (@VP) May 23, 2015
And Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives:
Congrats Ireland! Everyone deserves equality under their laws – no matter where they live, no matter who they love. #MarRef #LoveIsLove
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) May 23, 2015
Even Britain’s Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron, whose government legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, offered words of congratulations.
Congratulations to the people of Ireland, after voting for same-sex marriage, making clear you are equal if you are straight or gay.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) May 23, 2015
In Australia, where same-sex marriage is still not legal, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten celebrated the Irish vote — while Tony Abbott, the Conservative Prime Minister who opposes any change to marriage laws in Australia, took Stephen Harper’s approach and stayed mum.
Outstanding result for marriage equality in Ireland. If we can’t break impasse in Oz parliament, perhaps time for referendum of our own. KR
— Kevin Rudd (@MrKRudd) May 23, 2015
Time for Australia and our Parliament to embrace marriage equality. Congratulations Ireland
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) May 23, 2015
Here in Canada, Opposition leaders also tweeted in support of the Yes vote:
Especially proud of my Irish roots today. A clear progressive message from voters & resounding victory for equality. pic.twitter.com/tmCpufy92q
— Tom Mulcair (@ThomasMulcair) May 23, 2015
Merci à tous ceux qui retournent en Irlande pour voter. Belle initiative. La démocratie en action. #marref #votezoui
— Justin Trudeau, MP (@JustinTrudeau) May 22, 2015
Members of the government, on the other hand, appeared to be otherwise engaged:
Congratulations to the Women’s 7s rugby team on becoming Cup Champions this weekend & qualifying for @Rio2016_en! @RugbyCanada #GoCanadaGo
— Stephen Harper (@pmharper) May 23, 2015
Great to be at #ParrySound Stockey Centre tonight for the #BobbyOrr Hall of Fame induction!
— Tony Clement (@TonyclementCPC) May 24, 2015
Sat down with mompreneurs to discuss how the Universal Child Care Benefit helps their families. @JulianFantino pic.twitter.com/0F1zgBjYyd
— Candice Bergen (@CandiceBergenMP) May 23, 2015
Dropped by the @Carassauga #Irish Pavilion. Sadly, no time for a pint of #Guinness. #Multiculturalism pic.twitter.com/jaj5mpITeB
— Jason Kenney ن (@jkenney) May 24, 2015
When it came to Ireland’s historic vote, there were only Conservative crickets.
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