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.
***
Media contact:
John Kloprogge 0422 913 942 cuaction@hotmail.com
***
References:
'Same-sex: Same Entitlements' report:
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/samesex/
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.
***
Media contact:
John Kloprogge 0422 913 942 cuaction@hotmail.com
***
References:
'Same-sex: Same Entitlements' report:
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/samesex/
posted by CUAction at 5:14 PM
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