Tony Abbott was
recently interviewed by a women’s magazine and asked – among
other things – about his opinions on sex before marriage. According
to the ABC’s quote (No, I didn’t buy the magazine!), he replied
with some care: “It happens. I would say to my daughters, if they
were to ask me this question, I would say ... it is the greatest gift
that you can give someone, the ultimate gift of giving and don't give
it to someone lightly. That is what I would say."
Abbott’s comments
have, as you might expect, provided plenty for people to talk about.
Among the different responses, some have asked what right a politican
has to tell others what to do.
In addressing that
question, we need to recognise firstly that the objection is actually
invalid. He was asked for an opinion in the first place, and
proceeded not to say what everyone should do, but what advice he
would give to his daughters!
