“My name is Orlando Burcham, I am 11 years old and I would like to know why you don’t allow ‘gay marriage’ in Australia,” the letter reads.
The 11-year-old Newcastle boy (pictured) wrote to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who has been blocking marriage equality in the land down under, demanding the 56-year-old politician explain his homophobic behavior, Australian website Same Same reports.
“Because the majority of Australians are happily married, so why are you stopping all the gay men/women to be married in this beautiful country?” the letter continues. “My mother is gay and even worse your own sister is gay! And thousands more are as well.”
“It is so pathetic that you aren’t letting the gay people of Australia and other countries get married here,” Burcham scolds. “Millions of people in the world and when they come to Australia and think ‘wow this place is great! Let’s get married here!’ And then they remember that they can’t. So they spend thousands of dollars to go somewhere they can get married. My mum is married but she had to go to New York, which took a lot of money.”
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He concludes the letter by reminding Abbott:
“You were elected to represent our country, not yourself. Just because you think it’s wrong, does not give you the right to make it illegal. Doesn’t our opinions matter to you? Just because you’re the Prime Minister, which by the way does not give you all the power.”
“I hope you change your mind.”
Much to Burcham’s surprise, Abbott responded to the 11-year-old’s letter. Here is his evasive, half-assed response:
Dear Orlando,
Thank you for letting me know your views about same sex marriage.
I appreciate the deep feelings that many in the community have on either side of the issue.
The Government supports the current definition of marriage contained in the Marriage Act 1961. Any change to this policy would be a matter for the Coalition Party Room.
My personal opinion is to support the existing definition of marriage.
Though we disagree on this issue, I respect the views you have put forward.
Ongoing dialogue between government and citizens keeps our democracy strong.
Thank you again for writing to me.
But Orlando wasn’t impressed. He says he’s “disappointed” in the Prime Minister’s message.
Australian Marriage Equality shared Orlando’s letter on its official Facebook page. The post has received over 880 “likes” and over 230 “shares.”
“I’m so proud of my boy,” Orlando’s Mom wrote in the comment feed. “He’s got such a beautiful heart for justice. He sat and wrote this one night after hearing a news report. the only hint was ‘mum, how do you spell beautiful?’ then ‘how do you spell pathetic?’”
We think we speak for everybody when we say: Well done, Orlando!
hex0
This is Tony Abbott we’re talking about (Murdoch’s chosen leader), I’m so suprised to his response…
NG22
This kid is so sweet. I love that he’s speaking truth to power. And Abbott is such an unpopular asshole. I’m not surprised the response he wrote wasn’t worth the paper it was written on.
Great story. I’m so touched by the marriage equality movement in Australia.
Tookietookie123
I honestly couldn’t have said it better myself, Orlando. It’s nice to know an 11-year old can stand up against an idiotic Prime Minister like Abbott and show him up. We’re so proud of you Orlando!
Mezaien
He is “NOT” just an idiot! he also Australian, (most be shit)I yet to meet a nice Australian, in my life! still waiting.
ait10101
@Mezaien: You must be very unlucky, then. I lived in Australia for 10 years and met plenty of nice Australians. Maybe like attracts like.
James Hart
Is anyone really surprised? Tony Abbot, who is a conservative Catholic, got elected on a platform which opposes gay marriage. To the victor go the spoils. That’s what happens in a democracy.
Dakotahgeo
This little guy has more intelligence and common sense than the PM. Australia is indeed a wonderful country with great people. I know a few and they’re in total disagreement with the PM. Must suck to be on the outside looking in, politically!
applebee
@Mezaien: bitch please, you are such a fucking waste of scum in the world, you never meet anyone because you still fucking live with your parents in the basement and being unemployed for the rest of your life. You certainly bark like a dog but everybody know in real life you are nothing but a corward, piece of shit!
Dakotahgeo
@applebee: I would say your comment is quite… succinct and to the point! Not to mention truthful!