Making international headlines this week is the defeat of Australia’s prime minister, John Howard, a Bush ally, and the triumph of Labor’s Kevin Rudd. Reader Mace, who founded the Lesbian Parents Australia Yahoo! group, wrote “we no longer have a conservative government in Australia … and that is a new beginning with lots of renewed hope for equity for same sex families.” Bloggers and new moms The Muriels, however, express their disappointment that Rudd’s acceptance speech omitted an explicit mention of LGBT Australians, although Labor’s national platform includes legal equality and relationship recognition for same-sex couples. Prominent gay advocate Rodney Croome also takes a cautious approach, noting “the last few months have seen the beginning of a crusade by the religious right to extend its influence over Kevin Rudd and limit Labor’s already limited reform agenda.” (Thanks to Mace for the link.)

Let’s hope Labor’s win does in fact signal a positive change for Australia’s LGBT community. I also think that as more and more of the U.S.’s ally countries enact laws recognizing same-sex couples, it puts pressure on the U.S. to do the same. Here’s to all the LGBT Australians and allies who played a part in this week’s victory and who will continue to work towards equality for all.