Australian Prime minister refuses to meet Gay partner of Ambassador to France

[Br.IanVonTurpie]

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/tony-abbott-slammed-over-homophobic-diplomatic-incident-in-paris/story-fni6ulvf-1227338061799

IT'S the latest scandal to see the Prime Minister's name trending for all the wrong reasons and the opposition has demanded an apology. But what really happened on the tarmac in Paris? 
 
Tony Abbott has become embroiled in an ugly diplomatic incident that's seen his office accused of being homophobic after an Australian Ambassador's same-sex partner was told to "wait in the car" rather than greet the Prime Minister on his arrival to Paris.

Following Anzac Day centenary commemorations in Gallipoli, Mr Abbott flew to a private airport in Paris where he was to be greeted by Stephen Brady, the Ambassador to France.

Mr Brady's partner of 34 years, Peter Stephens, was reportedly told he wouldn't be part of the welcoming party on the tarmac by a protocol officer, much to the upset of the Ambassador who refused the request and had Mr Stephens accompany him as the RAAF plane arrived.

The "bizarre" incident caused so much offence to the career diplomat he was said to be "literally screaming" at the protocol officer who delivered the request, according to Fairfax, and he later offered his resignation over the incident.

It's unclear whether an official resignation was tendered to either Mr Abbott or Foreign Minister Tony Abbott, the Herald Sun reports.

Though it's been pointed out that protocol dictates a diplomat's partner will only greet the Prime Minister when his or her partner is present, which Mrs Abbott was not, the incident has seen Mr Abbott slammed and sparked widespread outrage over the government's views on same-sex relationships.

Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten called for an explanation from Mr Abbott the incident and said the couple "deserved an apology" if the story was true.

"I sincerely hope this isn't true," he said.

[Nigel]

I thought protocol only did the 'other half' stuff when the host leader's other half was there? And they say they don't want 'special' treatment??

[Br.IanVonTurpie]

I don't know what the big deal is. It is public Knowledge Mr Abbott is a Church going man. Why would he want to meet the Homosexual partner for?This guy has stymied same sex marriage legislation in the ACT, wouldn't be in his best interest to be hanging out with a fag couple.