MEDIA RELEASE: ACT praised on civil unions; Brumby urged to follow

MEDIA RELEASE: ACT praised on civil unions; Brumby urged to follow
Civil Union Action (CUA)
http://www.cuaction.org

ACT praised on civil unions; Brumby urged to follow

For Immediate Release: 28 November 2007

Victorian human rights group, Civil Union Action (CUA), praised yesterday's promise by the Australian Capital Territory's Chief Minister Jon Stanhope to reintroduce civil union legislation, and says the spotlight is now on Victorian Premier John Brumby.

The ACT's original legislation was overidden by the Howard Government in July 2006. Mr Stanhope vowed to reintroduce the legislation once a more progressive government is elected at the Federal level. The Victorian Government has promised to introduce a relationship register by the end of 2007, but the details are still unknown.

Mr Stanhope discussed his plans yesterday on 2CN ABC 666 with Alex Sloan.

"We warmly welcome Mr Stanhope's recommitment to his civil union proposal," CUA spokesperson John Kloprogge said.

"Now the spotlight turns to Victorian Premier John Brumby. Will his proposals for a relationship register include the option of official ceremonies for same sex couples?"

"With a potentially less conservative government now at the Federal level, there is no reason to deny loving couples a ceremony option."

Mr Kloprogge said officially-sanctioned ceremonies are important for two main reasons.

"First, ceremonies provide social recognition, which fosters inclusiveness and respect.

"Second, same-sex couples want a ceremony option.

"Public consultation on the relationship register in June 2007, and the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby's 'Not Yet Equal' Survey 2005, demonstrate a strong desire for a ceremony option," Mr Kloprogge concluded.

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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