MEDIA RELEASE: Register welcome; Let's get it right

MEDIA RELEASE: Register welcome; Let's get it right
Civil Union Action! (CUA)
http://www.cuaction.org

For immediate release: 24 April 2007

Victorian human rights group, Civil Union Action!, has warmly welcomed the announcement today by the State Government that it will introduce a Tasmanian-style relationship register for same-sex couples by year's end, but said consultation should focus on the need for ceremonies.

The Tasmanian scheme allows couples, regardless of gender, to sign a register which gives access to certain rights and provides proof of a relationship.

"Civil Union Action! warmly welcomes this decision by the State Government, and congratulates them for their efforts," said CUA spokesperson John Kloprogge.

"A relationship register will improve access for same-sex couples to the rights already afforded to them under legislative reform in 2001."

However, Mr Kloprogge said proposed community consultation should focus on support for official ceremonies.

"The Premier's call for a short consultation period is welcome, but such consultation must include a question on official ceremonies to be representative," Mr Kloprogge.

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 ceremonies.

"Recent public consultation - regarding the ACT's discussion paper on relationship recognition 2006, and the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby's 'Not Yet Equal' Survey 2005 - demonstrate overwhelming preference in the community for a scheme that normally allows the option of a ceremony," 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

MEDIA RELEASE: Your turn, Mr Bracks

MEDIA RELEASE: Your turn, Mr Bracks
Civil Union Action! (CUA)
http://www.cuaction.org

Oscar-winning animator Adam Elliot (right) and partner Dan Doherty were one of the couples at yesterday's launch of Melbourne City Council's relationship register, the first in Victoria open to same-sex couples.
Photo: Joe Armao; The Age 3.04.07

For immediate release: 3 April 2007

Victorian human rights group, Civil Union Action!, has warmly welcomed the launch of Melbourne City Council's relationship register last night, but has urged the Bracks government to follow its lead and enact a statewide scheme.

The MCC scheme will allow same-sex and mixed-sex couples to have their relationships formally recognised, and celebrants are permitted to conduct the service. The scheme does not, however, afford any legal rights at State or Commonwealth level.

Civil Union Action! spokesperson, John Kloprogge, welcomed Premier Steve Bracks' request that Attorney-General Rob Hulls investigate the possibility of establishing a statewide scheme.

"The fact that the State Government is now formally investigating its options for a relationship scheme is a promising sign," Mr Kloprogge said.

However, Mr Kloprogge said same-sex couples would want to see a future relationship scheme satisfy certain conditions.

"First, same-sex couples want a scheme that will give them identical rights and recognition as married couples for the purposes of Victorian law."

"Secondly, the option of a legally-recognised ceremony is important. If same-sex couples cannot have their unions publicly solemnified, they are effectively invisible," Mr Kloprogge concluded.

Civil Union Action! is encouraging people to write to Premier Bracks about the need for a relationship scheme.

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

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References:
'Gay couples may get more rights in Vic', The Age, 03.04.07
http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Gay-couples-may-get-more-rights-in-Vic/2007/04/03/1175366190569.html