MEDIA RELEASE: 'Damning' report urges change

MEDIA RELEASE: 'Damning' report urges change
Civil Union Action! (CUA)
http://www.cuaction.org

For immediate release: 22 June 2007

Victorian human rights group Civil Union Action! (CUA) has celebrated the long-awaited release of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity's 'Same-sex: Same Entitlements' report, describing it as a "damning indictment" on the Howard Government, and has demanded a timetable for change.

The inquiry investigated financial and workplace related discrimination against same-sex couples, focusing on federal laws. CUA spokesperson John Kloprogge said the report was "explosive".

"The HREOC 'Same-sex: Same Entitlements' report is the most extensive inquiry into anti-gay discrimination in Australia to date. It found over 20,000 same-sex couples are affected by discrimination in about 60 areas of Federal law.

"Same-sex couples and their families are treated unfairly in superannuation, taxation, Medicare, employment, immigration, social security, family law ... the list goes on.

"These and other laws were found to be in breach of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

"No wonder Attorney-General Philip Ruddock tried to gag public servants from speaking to the inquiry: the HREOC report is a damning indictment on the Howard Government's inaction and neglect," Mr Kloprogge said.

Civil Union Action! has demanded a timetable for the full implementation of the report's recommendations, after a Galaxy poll found 71% of Australians support same-sex equality.

"The HREOC report calls for sexuality anti-discrimination legislation, legal recognition for same-sex partners and their children, and the categorical scrapping of discriminatory provisions.

"The overwhelming majority of Australians want equality for same-sex couples. It is time our elected representatives set a date for reform," Mr Kloprogge concluded.

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

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References:

HREOC 'Same-Sex: Same Entitlements' Report:
http://hreoc.gov.au/samesex

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

MEDIA RELEASE: Aussies back same-sex ceremonies

MEDIA RELEASE: Aussies back same-sex ceremonies
Civil Union Action! (CUA)
http://www.cuaction.org

For immediate release: 21 June 2007

Victorian human rights group, Civil Union Action!, has welcomed a new poll finding Australians support equal rights for same-sex couples at a ratio of 3-1, and says there is now no excuse for the Bracks Government not to include official ceremonies and substantive rights in its proposed Relationships Register.

The Galaxy poll of 1100 people, commissioned by GetUp!, found 71% of Australians support equal rights for same-sex couples and 57% support equal marriage.

"The Galaxy poll shows an overwhelming majority of Australians support equal rights for same-sex couples, while the Bracks Government remains reluctant to do so," CUA spokesperson John Kloprogge said.

"Same-sex couples deserve a register which celebrates their relationships with official ceremonies and affords them the same substantive rights as marriage under state law," Kloprogge continued.

"Australians have demonstrated their genuine acceptance of same-sex couples: it is time for the Bracks Government to do the same," Kloprogge concluded.

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

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References:
http://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/latest.php

Relationships Register: Submissions due Tues 12 June

UPDATE ON VGLRL FORUM ...

We had a successful night on Monday at the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby's public forum on the proposed Relationships Register. We were able to convey to the Government Civil Union Action's overall support for the register, while making sure our specific concerns were noted.

HAVE YOUR SAY!

If you couldn't attend the forum, there is still a chance to have your say. The latest Discussion Paper has been released, and is available for comment until Tuesday 12 June. This replaces previous versions of the Paper.

ANY THOUGHTS?

Civil Union Action! is also drafting a response. If you have specific concerns you want included in the CUA submission, please email us (please also include a phone number).

Please send responses to the Government's Information Paper to LegalPolicySubmissions [at] justice.vic.gov.au by 12 June 2007.