Sometimes it’s easy to forget – or even worse, to take for granted the rights GLBTIs enjoy today. But before 2002 – being under the age of 21 and have consensual gay sex could land you in the jailhouse. Yeah, remember that? Now it’s more likely you’ll get arrested – for wearing denim on denim (who still does that by the way?).
So for the sake of a just little debate with the other OUT columnists, let’s take a real overview of where we are now – and where we are heading.
Reality check 101:
Okay, let’s get to the chase – it was Labor that pushed through the most substantial reforms for gay and lesbian people in WA. It was Labor who made it unlawful to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, allowed same sex couples to adopt children and equalised the age of consent (and the list goes on!) Despite all the redneck criticism and fear – Labor delivered on its promise to the community.
Predictably, the WA Liberals are just so boringly homophobic. Apparently gay couples adopting children is ‘airy fairy’ policy (Yeah, unfortunately that’s a direct quote). The Greens (WA) are very nice and promise a lot – but hey, you can do that when you’re never in Government and you don’t really have to deliver all your promises.
Going to the chapel and were going to get …bugger:
Now we are onto the next battlefront – reforms within the Federal arena. And I will freely admit, it’s not going to be all plain sailing. The Labor party has many different opinions on this issue. But Labor is supportive of changes which will close the gaps on financial inequalities for gay and lesbian couples, such as issues like superannuation and pension.
When it comes to gay marriage and civil unions – the ALP does have diverse views. But it’s also important to remember that our community ‘ain’t all singing from the same song book’. Some of us want gay marriage, others will settle for civil unions or registration, while some of us are simply not interested in or necessarily passionate about gaining either.
What’s on the agenda:
I’m glad to say there are positive signs that more reform can be achieved through the Labor Party. At the ALP National Conference earlier this year, a resolution was passed to ensure any civil registry schemes established at a State level are recognised by the Commonwealth. This is a good step – and in the right direction.
Of course, as we all know, nothing comes easy in this world. That’s why we shouldn’t also forget that ONLY an active and vocal community will ensure any Government is prepared to introduce these reforms!
All the dance parties, fair days and everything else in between, are all good and fun (and I know what you saying, boring, she’s on her soap box again), but we all have a responsibility to be informed on the political and legal issues to help us as a community wield the most influence we can on public policy in Australia.
