After an audit of all federal laws, Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland has revealed a further 40 discriminatory laws that discriminate against same-sex couples currently living in Australia.
These laws are in addition to the 58 laws already identified by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in their report Same Sex, Same Entitlements and bring the total number of laws discriminating against same-sex couples up to 98.
Mr McClelland presented the findings to representatives of the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group, the Australian Coalition for Equality and Commonwealth Superannuation Action Committee when he met with them in Canberra at the end of February.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group representative Rodney Croome, who met with Mr McClelland, pointed out that work on the reform itself was only the first step. Any number of hurdles could derail the reform after it has been submitted to Cabinet, including an overcrowded Parliamentary agenda.
‘I’m hopeful but I can’t say I’m confident,’ said Croome. ‘We have to watch out for reform of laws relating toward family and parenting that may be cut out and moved to one side. Certainly that’s what the Australian Christian Lobby want.’
‘They don’t want any laws pertaining toward parenting to be any part of this package,’ continued Croome. ‘And here I’m talking about laws recognizing same sex couples with children and laws allowing same-sex couples access to the family court.’
When asked about what people could do to assist with the reform, Croome encouraged people to write to the government, suggesting people use the template available at www.glrl.org.au/58/.
‘I’ve often had people express skepticism at whether letter writing actually works, but believe me, at the moment it is making a difference. And if there is anything keeping the government on track it is that.’
