Aust'n govt to introduce legislation removing 100 pieces of same-sex discrimination - U.S. Politics Online: A Political Discussion Forum

noahath · #1 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008

I'm a proud Australian to see our new govt making our country more equal. Quite often I read on this Forum members saying that there is discrimination of same-sex couples, but our govt has found 100 areas where it is going to remove discrimination; with the exception of adoption and marriage.

I find it refreshing for a govt to be focusing on removing discrimination on the basis that it is inherently discriminating, rather then not acting on it in order to appease religious-political interest groups.

Govt excludes same-sex marriage from law changes - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Quote:

The Federal Government says it will begin introducing legislation next month to remove same-sex discrimination from 100 Commonwealth laws.

The Government says the amendments to end discrimination against same-sex couples will make practical differences, but will not sanction changes to marriage laws.

The move will cover areas like superannuation, tax, health, employment entitlements and aged care.

But Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland says it will not extend to marriage.

"The government believes that marriage is between a man and a woman so it won't amend the marriage act," he said.

"But in all other areas that we've identified the issue of discrimination against same-sex couples will be removed."

"We anticipate that the reforms will be all introduced by the middle of 2009."

But Rodney Croome from the Australian Coalition for Equality says discrimination will not be eliminated until same-sex couples are allowed to marry.

"While this is a very important reform in itself and it'll certainly remove many of the more severe disadvantages faced by same sex couples in Australian today, it's not the end of the matter," he said.

"Until there's full equality in Australian law, for same and opposite sex couples, discrimination continues, prejudice continues and we can't allow that as a nation."

"Gay and lesbian Australians will not be fully equal until we are allowed the right to marry the partner of our choice."

The Human Rights Commissioner Graeme Innes identified 58 laws that needed changing.

"The Government has broadened the ambit a bit, and looked at some other laws which discriminate," he said.

"I'm very pleased that they've taken that approach."

Child benefits

Mr McClelland says the changes will also mean children of same-sex couples will be regarded the same as any others in terms of superannuation, workers compensation and other entitlements.

Mr Innes has welcomed the move and says all children deserve to be protected.

"Sadly our system in Australia hasn't been doing that for children of same-sex couples but these measures will alter that."

Sharon den Adel · #2 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008

It's saddening that our Governement draws the line at same sex marriage, but this is certainly a step in the right direction.

If anyone will legalise same sex marriage, or Civil Unions, it'll be Rudd. I have faith that he will do the right thing.

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