MEDIA RELEASE: Gays, lesbians tell Rudd, "back off" from ACT politics

MEDIA RELEASE: Gays, lesbians tell Rudd, "back off" from ACT politics
Civil Union Action! (CUA)
http://cuaction.org

For immediate release: 21 May 2009

Gay and lesbian activists have demanded that the Rudd federal government stay out of ACT politics and not override a proposed ceremonial component to civil union legislation. The ACT Greens, who hold the balance of power, announced yesterday they intended to amend the legislation to allow ceremonies.

"The people of the ACT voted last year for party platforms that supported official ceremonies for same-sex couples. Chief Minister Jon Stanhope already has the mandate to proceed," said Civil Union Action! (CUA) spokesperson John Kloprogge.

Mr Kloprogge said the Rudd Government must be challenged on the issue of same-sex ceremonies.

"It is not the job of the Chief Minister to be chief enforcer of Kevin Rudd's homophobia. Mr Stanhope must do what is right, and Mr Rudd must not step in the way," Mr Kloprogge said.

Mr Kloprogge said the civil union legislation should allow for optional ceremonies, as a matter of respect for same-sex couples.

"Same-sex couples are not equal as long as formal ceremonies are denied them but allowed for others," Kloprogge said.

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Media comment:
John Kloprogge 0422 913 942 cuaction@hotmail.com

MEDIA RELEASE: Melbourne, Sydney stand for marriage equality

MEDIA RELEASE: Melbourne, Sydney stand for marriage equality
Civil Union Action! (CUA)
http://cuaction.org

For immediate release: 3 August 2008

Melbourne & Sydney held demonstrations today for equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. The National Day of Action marked the 4th anniversary of the ban on same-sex marriage passed by the Federal Parliament in 2004. A senior Victorian minister broke ranks to back same-sex marriage.

"Melbourne and Sydney made a strong showing today to demand equal rights for equal love," CUA spokesperson John Kloprogge said.

"A majority of Australians (57 per cent) support marriage equality. We are just waiting for the Rudd Government to catch up," Kloprogge said.

Melbourne saw its first Labor state member, Education Minister Bronwyn Pike, break with Cabinet colleagues to publicly support marriage equality.

"We know that a huge number of Labor parliamentarians, state and federal, support marriage equality. It will only be matter of time before more come out for equality," Kloprogge said.

As part of the National Day of Action, Canberra held a rally yesterday, and Perth and Brisbane are holding theirs next weekend.

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Media comment:
John Kloprogge 0422 913 942 cuaction@hotmail.com

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Other events:
Perth: SAT August 9, noon. Kings Square, Fremantle
Brisbane: SUN August 10 1pm, Queens Park, City

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References:
Galaxy poll: http://beta.getup.org.au/files/media/equalityforsamesexcouples.pdf

MEDIA RELEASE: ACT to have same-sex ceremonies; other states must follow

MEDIA RELEASE: ACT to have same-sex ceremonies; other states must follow
Civil Union Action! (CUA)
http://www.cuaction.org

ACT to have same-sex ceremonies; other states must follow

For Immediate Release: 4 May 2008

Human rights group, Civil Union Action! (CUA) has said the outcome of negotiations between the Rudd federal government and the Stanhope ACT government – which will allow official ceremonies for same-sex couples on adminstrative, not legislative, terms – now puts the focus on all other states to introduce similar schemes.

Negotiations concluded today resulting in a demand by the federal government that the ACT amend its original Civil Partnerships Bill to remove all references to a ceremony, or risk an override. The amended bill will go before the ACT legislative assembly next week. But same-sex couples will still have the option of an official ceremony, supervised and administered by the ACT Registrar-General or her delegate.

Civil Union Action! (CUA) remains disappointed the ACT was prohibited from enacting the laws it wants and which territorians support, but welcomes the opportunity for optional ceremonies and the pressure the proposals will put on other states to introduce similar schemes. CUA spokesperson John Kloprogge said the Rudd Government, and state governments, have long sought national consistency in same-sex laws.

"Same-sex couples in the national capital will soon be able to have the first official same-sex ceremonies in Australia. But if Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and state governments want national consistency in relationship laws – as has been their stated aim – then it requires that all states now provide a formal scheme with administrative ceremonies for same-sex couples."

"The ACT Government has now raised the bar on the legal recognition of same-sex relationships. It's up to states with no relationship scheme to introduce one, and states with a register to allow administrative ceremonies."

"The Rudd federal government went to extreme lengths to stop same-sex couples having official ceremonies. Fortunately, though, the ACT's scheme remains a benchmark for other states, showing where they must improve," Mr Kloprogge concluded.

The federal government also demanded the addition of residency requirement to the bill, meaning at least one partner to the couple must be an ACT resident. The ACT Attorney-General's office says the precise manner in which ceremonies are to be regulated will be developed in coming weeks.

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Media contact:
John Kloprogge 0422 913 942 cuaction@hotmail.com

MEDIA RELEASE: Repeal of discrimination welcomed, but equality still lacking

MEDIA RELEASE: Repeal of discrimination welcomed, but equality still lacking
Civil Union Action! (CUA)
http://www.cuaction.org

Repeal of discrimination welcomed, but equality still lacking

For Immediate Release: 30 April 2008

Human rights group, Civil Union Action! (CUA) has welcomed federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland's announcement today to amend over 100 pieces of federal legislation next month that discriminate against same-sex couples, but has stressed that same-sex couples will not be equal until a nationwide formal recognition scheme is introduced, such as civil unions or equal marriage.

"Civil Union Action welcomes the Attorney-General's pledge to remove discrimination against same-sex couples next month, which will be a significant step towards equality for same-sex couples," CUA spokesperson John Kloprogge said.

"This will fix discriminatory laws in tax, superannuation, social security, health, aged care, veterans entitlements, workers compensation and employment entitlements, among other areas - many of which were targetted by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity's (HREOC) report, 'Same-sex: Same Entitlements'."

"However, same-sex couples will not truly be equal under federal law until we have a nationwide scheme - such as civil unions or equal marriage - that will guarantee entitlements are recognised and legal uncertainty is avoided."

"Only a nationwide, formal relationship scheme that same-sex couples can opt in to, will give couples real equality and the legal security of knowing their relationships are recognised."

"Without such a scheme, same-sex couples could continually have the status of their relationships challenged by relatives or officials, which could jeopardise their entitlements," Mr Kloprogge concluded.

The government's proposals will be introduced in the winter session of parliament, and will be in full operation by mid-2009 if passed.


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Media contact:
John Kloprogge 0422 913 942 cuaction@hotmail.com

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References:

'Same-sex: Same Entitlements' report:
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/samesex/

MEDIA RELEASE: Equality demands amendments to R'ships Register

MEDIA RELEASE: Equality demands amendments to R'ships Register
Civil Union Action! (CUA)
http://www.cuaction.org

Equality demands amendments to R'ships Register

For Immediate Release: 9 April 2008

Human rights group, Civil Union Action! (CUA) has welcomed the preliminary support in the Victorian Legislative Council last night for a Relationships Register, but has urged members who support equality to approve proposed amendments in the Committee stage today.

Members voted 29-10 last night to advance the bill to the next stage (Second Reading). Greens MLC for Southern Metropolitan, Sue Pennicuik, circulated proposed amendments for debate – regarding official ceremonies and the recognition of couples where one partner is a non-resident of Victoria.

While the bill will provide legal security to couples, Civil Union Action spokesperson, John Kloprogge, urged members to support the Greens' amendments.

“Civil Union Action supports the register, as it provides much needed legal security to couples – but there are serious issues which need to be fixed, for the sake of equality.”

“First, the option of official ceremonies. Surely the love and commitment of two partners is worth celebrating in a public way? It's not acceptable in the 21st century to hide our relationships away.”

“Second, recognition of couples where one partner lives interstate. Couples who find themselves separated by distance shouldn't be separated from legal recognition and support.”

“Third, mutual recognition of corresponding schemes. The Victorian register should recognise couples who registered their relationship in Tasmania, for instance. We understand the Government has, thankfully, promised to fix this issue.”

“And finally, adoption. While it may not strictly fit within the aims of this bill, same-sex couples have not forgotten about it. The Victorian Law Reform Commission last year recommended legalising same-sex adoption – but the Brumby Government has evaded responsibility on the issue thus far.”

Proposed amendments to the Relationships Bill 2007 will be debated in Committee stage, today. After that, it will be due for its Third Reading speech and a vote will be taken. Once approved and given Royal assent, the register will come into operation by 1 December 2008.

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Media contact:
John Kloprogge 0422 913 942 cuaction@hotmail.com

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References:
The bill, and Ms Pennicuik's proposed amendments, can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com.au/x.php?mpa

MEDIA RELEASE: Register welcomed; improvements still needed

MEDIA RELEASE: Register welcomed; improvements still needed
Civil Union Action! (CUA)
http://www.cuaction.org

Register welcomed; improvements still needed

For Immediate Release: 13 March 2008

Human rights group, Civil Union Action! (CUA) has welcomed the passage today in the Victorian Legislative Assembly of a Relationships Register, but insists that improvements are needed to ensure equality for same-sex couples.

The register was foreshadowed by the State Government before the 2006 election, and will allow couples, regardless of sex, to record their relationship to receive similar entitlements as married couples currently enjoy under state law. It also assists in proving the existence of relationship for legal purposes.

However, CUA spokesperson John Kloprogge said 3 problems remain in the current register.

"While the relationships register is a welcome step towards equal recognition for same-sex couples, we still have concerns we hope will be addressed as soon as possible.

"First, it lacks the option of an officially-recognised public ceremony. Loving relationships ought to be celebrated as they bring happiness to so many lives, and they benefit society as a whole.

"Second, it does not extend adoption rights to same-sex couples. Last year's plans to extend parenting rights, following recommendations by the Victorian Law Reform Commission, disappointingly stopped short of allowing same-sex couples to adopt.

"Third, there remains confusion about the status of people in relationships schemes in other jurisdictions. The Victorian register should be as broad as possible, to ensure many couples can benefit from it,” Mr Kloprogge concluded.

The bill passed the Legislative Assembly today, but is due to be debated in the Legislative Council in April.

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Media contact:
John Kloprogge 0422 913 942 cuaction@hotmail.com

MEDIA RELEASE: Rudd clears way for ACT civil unions; Victoria should be first

MEDIA RELEASE: Rudd clears way for ACT civil unions; Victoria should be first
Civil Union Action! (CUA)
http://www.cuaction.org

Rudd clears way for ACT civil unions; Victoria should be first

For Immediate Release: 7 December 2007

Victorian human rights group, Civil Union Action! (CUA), has congratulated Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for declaring yesterday that he would not block attempts by the ACT Government to introduce legislation for civil unions. CUA says that Victoria now has nothing to fear from introducing similar legislation, and should be the first jurisdication to do so.

The Victorian Government announced it would introduce a bill to Parliament this week for a relationships register - without official ceremonies. CUA spokesperson John Kloprogge said a ceremony option is about equality and celebrating love.

"We congratulate Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for allowing the ACT to legislate for civil unions. By doing so, Mr Rudd has recognised that same-sex couples are not a threat to society, and their love should be celebrated like everyone else's," Mr Kloprogge said.

Mr Kloprogge said Victorian Premier John Brumby needn't worry about a legal clash with the Commonwealth if it decided to introduce civil unions.

"Mr Rudd's announcement indicates that State Governments now have no legal impediment to introducing civil union schemes. The only thing stopping the Brumby Government from allowing civil unions is itself."

Mr Kloprogge said Victoria is at a crossroads: it can either lead the nation or fall behind in its recognition of same-sex relationships.

"In 2003 Tasmania introduced the nation's first relationships register. And in 2006 the ACT announced its intention to introduce civil unions. Now, Victoria can be the first jurisdiction in the country to actually grant civil unions."

"Victorians deserve same-sex relationship laws that are truly second to none," Mr Kloprogge concluded.

Recommendations for the inclusion of official ceremonies were heard during public consultation on the relationships register in June 2007. The Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby's 'Not Yet Equal' Survey 2005 also demonstrated substantial community support for a ceremony option.

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Media contact:
John Kloprogge 0422 913 942 cuaction@hotmail.com

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References:

'Not Yet Equal' Report of the VGLRL Same Sex Relationships Survey 2005
http://vglrl.org.au/files/VGLRL%202005%20-%20SSRS%20Report.pdf