Veto For ACT Civil Unions

Local News, By Christian Taylor, 24th November, 2009

The Rudd Government has vowed to override the ACT’s new civil union laws which the Legislative Assembly passed earlier this month, allowing gay couples to recognise their relationship with a legally binding ceremony.

Activists have urged the Stanhope Government to stand by its electoral mandate to keep official ceremonies. The developments come ahead of nationwide rallies this weekend calling for full marriage equality in response to a Senate report due this week.

ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope met with Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland yesterday to discuss the recent addition of official ceremonies to civil union laws. Mr Stanhope said he would give “serious consideration” to Mr McClelland’s demands. Negotiations will continue about how the laws should be amended.

“It is outrageous that the Rudd Government will again trample on the ACT Government’s democratic right to provide official ceremonies to same-sex couples,” spokesperson for Equal Love Canberra, John Kloprogge, said.

“The Stanhope Government drafted these laws – based on the advice of now Commonwealth Solicitor-General, Stephen Gageler SC – in such a way as to avoid a legal conflict with federal marriage laws,” Kloprogge added.

Kloprogge said that, regrettably, the real issue was prejudice.

“Given that the legal advice supports the case for official ceremonies, it’s clear the Rudd Government’s talk of ‘inconsistency’ is just a smokescreen to hide its own prejudices,” Kloprogge said.

“A 60% majority of Australians support full equality for all couples, regardless of gender. The Rudd Government will win no votes by being mean-spirited and out-of-touch,” Kloprogge said.

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Your Thoughts

gavin-j

said on the 24th Nov, 2009

okay im young and naive so i may have missed this but atm i find it sickening to me that none of this is covered on the 6 oclock news etc

antycbr

said on the 24th Nov, 2009

it is covered extensively in the ACT as its not just the GLBT angle that has us pissed off. Its actually the third time they've put it up and had it knocked back. It all comes about because the ACT is a territory, not a state, so the Federales can just ask the Governor General to disallow any law that the ACT govt passes. Despite this being part of the local ALP's platform for the past three elections, it doesnt win any votes in western sydney/melbourne/brisbane.

barabin

said on the 24th Nov, 2009

I remember rallying for this in 2005...I think it was 2005. It all looks peachy and then the fed govt stomp it out. Such an outrage. I hope you all fight for this.

andrewc

said on the 25th Nov, 2009

Rally places/times: Melbourne – 1pm, State Library Sydney – 1pm, Sydney Town Hall Adelaide – 11am, Parliament House Canberra – 1pm, Garema Place, Civic Brisbane – 1pm, Queens Park, City Perth – 2pm, Outside London Court

camiseta

said on the 25th Nov, 2009

cunts!

eurolad

said on the 25th Nov, 2009

Someone should set themselves on fire on Saturday while they condemn that wicked piece of shit Krudd, so maybe then there will be some worldwide condemnation

synchronicity

said on the 25th Nov, 2009

Where are the rallies being held?

rudeboy86

said on the 25th Nov, 2009

Oh if somebody does set themselves on fire can we have the headline: "Flaming Queen Proves a Point"

andrewc

said on the 26th Nov, 2009

Looks like some guys got to sign on the dotted line before the Veto... http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/not-a-bride-in-sight-as-couple-tie-the-knot-20091126-js55.html :)

Flaneur

said on the 26th Nov, 2009

Veto isn't going through, apparently. Civil unions will stand in the ACT but with the caveat of informing the registrar general beforehand. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/26/2754283.htm

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