Marriage - Not For You

Local News, By Christian Taylor, 30th April, 2008

Gay and lesbian de facto couples in Australia already enjoy a number of the same legal benefits that their straight counterparts do, and things are about to get even better thanks to new legislative changes which are set to come into effect by mid next year.

It would appear that the government’s plans to delay the reforms until next year’s budget have been scrapped. According to News.com.au Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced that new laws will be introduced when parliament resumes in May. They will bring equality for de facto couples in over 100 different areas of taxation, superannuation sharing, health care, veteran’s affairs and social security.

Unsurprisingly, they do not include any recognition of gay marriage, which has been ruled out. “In keeping with the election commitment, the changes do not alter the marriage laws,” said Mr McClelland.

“They will make a practical difference to the everyday lives of a group fellow Australians who have suffered discriminations under commonwealth laws for far too long.”

Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson, Rodney Croome, is pleased to hear a fixed timetable for the reforms. He says it will bring peace of mind to elderly and retired same-sex partners who will now have certainty in regard to their superannuation, aged care and pension entitlements.

“The recognition of same-sex de facto couples is long over-due and will bring Australian national law into line with all Australia’s states and territories and many other western nations”, Mr Croome said.

“We call on the Coalition and its leader, Brendan Nelson, to extend full, bi-partisan support to the Government’s proposal so that it is not delayed in the Senate, and so that a clear anti-discrimination message is sent to the Australian public”, Mr Croome said.

Mr Croome said supporters of equality must continue to pressure the Government to ensure reform is as comprehensive as possible.

“Reform must extend to all federal family entitlements including equal access to the Family Court, and it must ensure formally- recognised civil partners in Tasmania and Victoria have full federal entitlements.”

“It is deeply disappointing that the Government is not prepared to accept equality in marriage, but I look forward to same-sex de facto law reform rekindling the debate on why full legal and social equality is needed.”

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