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.
***
Media comment:
John Kloprogge 0422 913 942 cuaction@hotmail.com
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.
***
Media comment:
John Kloprogge 0422 913 942 cuaction@hotmail.com
posted by CUAction at 1:32 AM
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