THE Queensland Government is investigating how many same-sex couples had already undertaken ceremonies since civil unions were legalised.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said he had requested advice from Crown Law, a section of the Justice Department, two weeks ago and was seeking information on where those partnerships stood if the legislation was repealed.

He said while it was not in the LNP's 100-day plan, the party had tipped the reversal of the legislation before the election and he hoped to have advice soon.

Mr Bleijie said the legal advice would present options and consequences for repealing all or part of the law the previous government introduced last year.

"We will be repealing the civil partnership law if we're not going to put people in legal limbo," he said.

"It's not a priority and we don't want it to get in the way of achieving our 100-day plan priorities.

"But once I get that legal advice I will form a position and go to the Cabinet with it.

"We opposed the bill when it was introduced and I spoke against it when I was shadow attorney-general.

"I think I received only two emails in the office disagreeing with my view.

"If we end up repealing it, no one can say we took them by surprise."

A Justice Department spokesman said 438 couples had registered civil partnerships this year to date and 18 of those have had declaration ceremonies already.

But he said the figures did not show how many were same-sex couples.

Premier Campbell Newman has publicly supported changes to allow gay marriage in Australia but he has since shelved his personal views.

So if you support the Civil Partnership laws and do not want the law repealed please contact your local MP, don't just send an email - visit them in person if possible

This link has contact details for your QLD MP: http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/members

Thank you.

^ Are there credible links to justify this assertion, I ask?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark_

^ Are there credible links to justify this assertion, I ask?

Yes, During the election campaign, leader Campbell Newman confirmed the Liberal National Party's opposition to civil unions, declaring they would look at repealing the new partnership laws if elected. He stated that the civil partnership bill should never have been passed. Also this abc blog listed has the audio of Cambell Newman promising the ACL that he will look at repealing the civil partnership leglislation, heres the weblink for the audio: http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2...tnerships.html

Our certificate is number 418 and we registered just before Easter. So another 20 couples have registered since then. Mr Bleijie can be assured we won't be very cooperative should he choose to repeal.

Qld civil unions decision due soon: govt

Gay couples in Queensland will know within weeks whether same-sex civil unions will be repealed by the state government.

US president Barack Obama's support of gay marriage has put the spotlight again on whether the Queensland government will axe same-sex civil unions.

The former Labor government gave same-sex couples the right to enter into legally recognised civil unions in November.

But the new Liberal National Party Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie is examining possible changes, including a full repeal of the law or a partial repeal.

Premier Campbell Newman says the final proposal will be brought to cabinet in a few weeks.

COPIED FROM: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8465414

EXCLUSIVE: In the first sign that Queensland’s recently enacted civil union laws are under threat from the new LNP Government, notaries wishing to perform same-sex civil unions have been left in the dark as to what is happening with their applications to the Queensland department of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Applications opened April 2, 2012, but since then no word has been given their fate, with little new information given on the Queensland Government website.

With what looks to be the first step to repeal the controversial bill passed by the previous Labor government, there has been no word on the powers used to put a hold on applications. Currently more than 350 couples have taken the steps to register their relationships through the bill.

When contacted recently, Births, Deaths and Marriages informed Queensland Pride that all Civil Partnership Notary applications were being held until further notice.

In response to the concerns raised, Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie repeated to Queensland Pride prior comments attributed to Premier Campbell Newman about only acting against the legislation if people were not left in “legal limbo”.

“During the State election campaign, the LNP committed to repealing the Civil Partnership Act provided it didn’t leave people in legal limbo,” Bleijie said.

“The Newman Government has sought advice from the Department on that election commitment and will consider the options once that advice is provided.”

Dr Sharon Dane, an academic at University of Queensland as well state spokesperson for Australian Marriage Equality (AME), told Queensland Pride the moves could be a sign the LNP won’t support any kind of same-sex partnership recognition.

“The Coalition has made it clear that, as a party, they do not support same-sex marriage, however, taking away the opportunity to legally validate and celebrate same-sex relationships in general suggests that their opposition has little to do with marriage per se,” Dane said.

“Should the placing of a hold on the Civil Notary applications be true, then it appears that they are against any form of respect and social validation being bestowed upon committed relationships between people of the same sex.”

Dane said conservative arguments against civil unions as being a precursor to same-sex marriage held little weight.

“Countries around the world, including US states, are now extending marriage rights to same-sex couples in the absence of civil unions,” she added.

“Should the Coalition be taking the first steps to repeal Queensland civil partnerships, it simply suggests that they either have no concept of the extreme hurt that same-sex couples will experience as a result or they simply don’t care.”

LGBTI-specialist psychologist Paul Martin, from the Centre for Human Potential, told Queensland Pride that removing the civil union legislation will be damaging for many gay and lesbian Queenslanders.

“I spoke to an officer at Births Deaths and Marriages who said that she had seen countless couples who were joyous at having their relationships finally recognised by the State,” Martin said.

“There is much evidence to demonstrate that the mental health same sex attracted people is significantly improved when their relationships are seen as valid and valued through actions such as enacting civil union legislation.

“If the civil union legislation is repealed, this will no doubt lead to psychological damage for many people in our communities who are already vulnerable.”

COPIED FROM: http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/no...er-threat.html

The LNP Government looks set to overturn controversial civil unions laws.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie is expected to recommend the legislation passed this year by the ousted Bligh government be scrapped.

The move comes as an exclusive Galaxy/Sunday Mail poll reveals that 50 per cent of people are in favour of same-sex couples getting married, with 33 per cent opposed.

Almost one in three people polled nationwide last week believed Prime Minister Julia Gillard opposed changing the law because she was "out of touch with the community".

Premier Campbell Newman hinted during the election campaign that the LNP would act if it won power.

"We would be looking at that (repealing civil union legislation) if we become the government but there are other very important things," Mr Newman said in March.

Former deputy premier Andrew Fraser introduced the legislation in what many saw as a blatant attempt to retain his marginal Mt Coot-tha seat.

When Parliament resumed last week the LNP didn't waste time in putting the civil union debate back on the floor.

A spokeswoman for the Attorney-General said: "He will be bringing proposals to Cabinet within a few weeks."

She declined to elaborate, but party sources said there was widespread support among the 78 MPs to change the legislation quickly.

Mr Newman was attacked during the campaign for personally supporting gay marriage but outlining the LNP stance on civil unions.

Federally, Tony Abbott is defying sections of his own frontbench and the majority of voters in refusing a conscience vote on gay marriage.

Former Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull has previously admitted to pushing for a free vote on the issue.

The push was slapped down by Mr Abbott but that does not guarantee some Liberal MPs won't yet cross the floor to vote for change.

Calls for a free vote sparked debate within Coalition ranks last year, with senior frontbenchers such as Joe Hockey, who opposes gay marriage, Christopher Pyne, George Brandis and Mr Turnbull debating the merits of a free vote behind closed doors.

A Galaxy survey commissioned for The Sunday Mail, shows Mr Turnbull's position is backed by 77 per cent of Coalition voters.

According to the survey, three in four voters back a conscience vote regardless of which party they support.

While calling for a free vote, Mr Turnbull has reserved his position on how he would vote on the gay marriage legislation until it was presented to Parliament.

"My view is there should be a conscience vote," Mr Turnbull said last year. "I raised the matter privately with Tony some time ago."

The issue of gay marriage flared last week on ABC television when Mr Hockey told the openly gay Finance Minister Penny Wong, who recently had a child with her partner Sophie Allouache, that children should have a mother and a father.

WA Liberal MP Mal Washer said he personally backed gay marriage - but wouldn't vote for it.

"I think it's inevitable," he said. "But if it came to a vote, the consensus in my electorate is pretty conservative so I wouldn't vote for it."

COPIED FROM: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/q...-1226361134791

Get Ready Queensland For A Huge Protest......

Im ashamed to be a Queenslander.

It's interesting how GLBT people who support the LNP are now very quiet.

People 'must have say on civil unions"

QUEENSLAND Opposition leader Annastacia Palaszczuk has called for public submissions, committee scrutiny and a conscience vote if the government plans to repeal the civil union legislation.

She said the LNP government's plan to bypass the committee system was "a disgraceful avoidance of proper scrutiny" and any plans to amend or scrap the Civil Partnership Act should be tested properly.

"On this issue it is essential proper processes be followed and the people of Queensland have their say, especially those whose lives will be directly affected," she said.

"He has no basis to claim amending legislation should avoid proper scrutiny in the way he blatantly ignored proper procedures for other major bills last week.

"(Campbell) Newman must not play politics with people's lives and he must not hide behind his large majority in parliament to continue to avoid scrutiny of his actions."

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie is expected to recommend to Cabinet in coming weeks that the civil union laws passed this year by the former government be scrapped.

COPIED FROM: http://www.qt.com.au/story/2012/05/2...-civil-unions/

Our certificate is number 168 and we will be marching in protest next Wednesday 30th May!! http://allevents.in/Brisbane/EMERGEN...00528649991673

Quote:

Originally Posted by katie0912

Our certificate is number 168 and we will be marching in protest next Wednesday 30th May!! http://allevents.in/Brisbane/EMERGEN...00528649991673

Great, please let as many GLBT people know about the protest. Also theres more evidence that the Civil Partnerships law will be repealed because controversial anti-gay Sunshine Coast MP Fiona Simpson has been announced as the new Speaker of Queensland’s parliament.
An advocate of so-called ‘reparative therapy’ for homosexuals, the Liberal National Party MP famously told the state’s legislative assembly that homosexuals could “grow into heterosexuality over time”.
The conservative Christian, who was the shadow minister responsible for communities and women, also encouraged people struggling with their sexuality to contact Exodus ministries – part of a Christian ‘ex-gay’ organisation that claims to be able to cure homosexuality.

I didn't vote for the LNP to repeal civil unions. I accept their lame duck excuse for not supporting it last year it as being a "waste of time" as it is their typical bigotry at play, but to go and "waste more time" repealing it beggars belief IMHO. The cost "savings" are completely out weighed by the nice pay rise Newman gave to his MPs! If you repeal this, you've lost my vote, Campbell.

One thing I have noticed is the high amount of GLBT Queenlanders who voted for the LNP but have since admitted that they had no idea on the parties stance on gay realted issues, I partly blame websites like samesame for not bringing attention to GLBT people the LNPs stance on gay issues before the election!!!

I don't know whose fault it is, coast_boy -- I knew about their wish to repeal it before the election because it was in all the news. Maybe people thought they wouldn't actually go ahead and do it? I didn't vote for them myself, that's for sure.

The protest was great! Around 2000 people. There's another on August 11. http://www.facebook.com/events/200775896709766/

I voted for them because I assumed their "we'd repeal it" was just electoral hyperbole aimed at retaining votes from the KAP. I was also hoping some of the new LNP MPs would want to retain it. Turns out I was wrong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrx92

I voted for them because I assumed their "we'd repeal it" was just electoral hyperbole aimed at retaining votes from the KAP. I was also hoping some of the new LNP MPs would want to retain it. Turns out I was wrong.

I did not vote for them either, the fact that they were so hostile towards gay people before they were even elected was a very telling sign. But unfortunately some GLBT people only read newspapers like the Courier Mail so they had no idea that the LNP was so openly hostile. Now it's too late, and the LNP is likely to be in power for at least the next six years. Just imagine how much damage that party can do to us GLBT in the next six years or even more. We need to rise up now so we can reduce as much damage as possible that the LNP may create to the gay community.

Quote:

Originally Posted by katie0912

I don't know whose fault it is, coast_boy -- I knew about their wish to repeal it before the election because it was in all the news. Maybe people thought they wouldn't actually go ahead and do it? I didn't vote for them myself, that's for sure.

The protest was great! Around 2000 people. There's another on August 11. http://www.facebook.com/events/200775896709766/

We need to have protests not just in Brisbane, but in all the major cities in Queensland. Constantly have protest after protest, week after week in different locations.

One thing is for certain: I will never, ever vote for Tony Abbott again. Voted for him last time because I was young and stupid and easily influenced by the media. Not this time!

The thought of an LNP council (not too bad, I kinda like Quirky), an LNP state gov AND a coalition federal gov is too much!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrx92

I voted for them because I assumed their "we'd repeal it" was just electoral hyperbole aimed at retaining votes from the KAP. I was also hoping some of the new LNP MPs would want to retain it. Turns out I was wrong.

Joh Bjelke Peterson was as bigotted as Can do Newman.

Some people don't remember the sins of the past! Under Joh all homosexuals could prosecuted and jailed! Campbell admires Joh! Labour repealed that law and made us acceptable and legal!

Lets see what the Joh clone does! Should be a very interesting ride for all that voted for him!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozzybouv

Joh Bjelke Peterson was as bigotted as Can do Newman.

Some people don't remember the sins of the past! Under Joh all homosexuals could prosecuted and jailed! Campbell admires Joh! Labour repealed that law and made us acceptable and legal!

Lets see what the Joh clone does! Should be a very interesting ride for all that voted for him!

Exactly, you can bet the same GLBT people who voted for the LNP will be moaning the loudest when there rights get taken away from them. Some people are dumb.

Quote:

Originally Posted by coast_boy_21

Exactly, you can bet the same GLBT people who voted for the LNP will be moaning the loudest when there rights get taken away from them. Some people are dumb.

Had a meeting with the Queensland Teachers Union (QTU) yesterday and it is interesting what Can Do is going to try to do and probably will.

Strikers will more than possibly be fined. The Can do government is taking on the QTU as its first test cased....if they beat us then the rest will be easy prey for him. The QTU is the largest Union in the State and he jusdt has to knock us over to show his strength.

They will take all the awards that we have won over the last 20 years and turn them into policy....that means he can change them at a whim...... issues like long service leave, sick leave, parental leave and about another 4 pages of things.

Can do is just serving up another dish of Work Choices with a different flavour, but he has the all the cards to play with in his hands. Once he has rolled the QTU, police, nurses, public servants and then any else will be in their sights.

This is a government not to be trusted.

It will be interesting to see what happens after yesterdays debacle with Can do and the Federal Environment minister in Sydney today.

Have to go to work or I would write alot more.

Cheers

John

Interesting note: Campbell did not repeal the legislation just the part that says we cannot have a civil ceremony because the Christians objected to it because it was like a 'marriage'.

I went on 4QR this afternoon on a talk back segment and gave my 10 cents worth toweards support of the bill. Talk to your local members and lodge your objedction to their actions! Do it in writing....emails are quick and are recorded as official correspondence.

We should be proud of the fact that we have only been 'legal' in this state for just on 18 years, before that we could have been jailed for our sex orientation. May all the Gods bless our wonderful right wing hypocritical politicians and the way they use legislation.

Cheers

The LNP choosing to only remove the ceremony option is probably the best outcome we can get from the socially consertive party.

Cleveland MP breaks ranks over civil unions


CLEVELAND MP Mark Robinson has backed moves to repeal the civil union legislation – breaking ranks with his LNP colleagues.
Mr Robinson made his position known on Monday afternoon but said he realised Premier Campbell Newman faced a “difficult balancing act” over the issue.

"It is not an easy thing for the party room to balance the fact that the large majority of Queenslanders have real concerns about ... Labor's legislation and do want us to overturn it but to balance that with the individual rights of the gay and lesbian community," Mr Robinson told ABC Radio.

His comments come a week after Dalrymple MP Shane Knuth said he would back an amendment to repeal the legislation when Mr Newman tried to endorse the Civil Unions Act.

Last week, Mr Newman said the LNP would not repeal the laws, introduced by the then Treasurer Andrew Fraser as a private members Bill in the last days of the Bligh administration.

Instead, the legislation would no longer include a state-sanctioned ceremony, in a bid to appease Christian groups who said it emulated a wedding.

Mr Newman said he had considered Mr Robinson's view but the decision to endorse the legislation was final.

"We need to act for all Queenslanders," the premier said.

"We take the views of our party membership very very strongly but at the end of the day we need to make policy and indeed laws for all Queenslanders."

Mr Knuth said he believed he had a majority support from other LNP MPs including Capalaba MP Steve Davies and Redlands MP Peter Dowling.

“The LNP need to be honest with themselves and the Queensland community and I expect to receive majority support for this amendment in the parliament from all corners of the LNP who are completely opposed to Campbell Newman's position.”

COPIED FROM: http://www.baysidebulletin.com.au/ne...s/2594528.aspx

SAME-sex couples will no longer be able to enter into a civil union in Queensland.

Under a further change to the previous government's controversial law, the Newman Government will rename the Civil Partnerships Act, the Registered Relationships Act.

The amended, and renamed Act, which was introduced to State Parliament tonight, does away with state-sanctioned ceremonies for people entering into registered relationships.

It also makes it easier for couples to "de-register" their relationship by removing the requirement they go through the District Court, and instead can apply to Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Despite outrage over the proposed scrapping of state-endorsed ceremonies, Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie insisted that the amendments did not "prohibit a couple from holding a private ceremony".

"The ceremony does not affect the legality of the registration process," he said.

Mr Bleijie told Parliament tonight that the changes will see the process become "simplified" and "less onerous", and will "more accurately reflect the purpose and objectives of the act".
Premier Campbell Newman revealed last week that the changes were made to appease Christian churches who were "offended" by a marriage-type ceremony for same-sex couples.

The civil unions issue is believed to have divided the LNP after the party spoke of possibly repealing the legislation during the election campaign.

On Monday, Deputy Speaker Mark Robinson told ABC Radio he personally believed the LNP should have repealed Labor's law to reflect the concerns "of the large majority of Queenslanders".

Gay rights groups have expressed relief the Government did not overturn the legislation but criticised the abolition of state-sanctioned ceremonies.

COPIED FROM: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/s...-1226403474083

Check out the courier mail article today boys and girls...The "Newman Way government"has struck again!
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/s...-1226403474083

Another article of interest: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/n...-1226403618426

I was a Queenslander until Easter this year ... I grew up in "Joh" country and then returned there a couple of years ago for work until my move to Victoria.

I have a confession to make ....
deep breath ... I feel much regret ...

I knew of the LNP plans. (and they have not finished yet so beware) I refused to vote for them, was quietly harassed locally in the country when I voiced my objections to the party before the recent election ... I said a few things quietly on facebook but feel very guilty now ... for not shouting from the roof tops about what their plans were and are ... of coarse ... as some have already posted, most voters did not think it would be high on their agenda ... and I thought my voice on it's own would be worthless so I did not bother too much ...

in my opinion there are only a few options for the GLBTI community in Qld ...
1. say nothing and allow Qld to return to a (more than now) bigoted community ... trust me it will if the LNP is allowed to continue ...
2. move to other states in Australia and forget Qld
3. protest like hell, win the hearts of the straight community (and other minority groups) get them onside as best as possible and turn the tables ... which would be very difficult ... like it or not, there are many, many people in Qld that have small and narrow minds to people different to themselves (sexuality, race, religion, cultures) and hopefully turn this into a national campaign ...

It amazes me that those in the party and their supporters are prepared to show such hate and disgust for their own family members (that are actually GLBT or I), many ignoring the truth or rebuking them and rejecting them from their own families with many of them "loving Christian people" (where is the love I ask?)

It is time people ... time to rally together, remove inward differences and disagreements and form a force that will make itself heard ...
I may now live in Victoria but will be loud in Qld as best I can ...