Roxon signals ALP to cave on same sex marriage

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

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30.05.04

Roxon signals ALP to cave on 
same sex marriage.


Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today urged Federal Labor ahead of
tomorrow's caucus meeting to reconsider their position on John Howard's
attack on same sex couples and oppose the Government's amendments to the
marriage Act.

"Nicola Roxon's comments today on the ABC indicate that the ALP will not
lobbying for the right of same sex couples to marry, but instead will
actively support the Howard goveernment's move to legislate against it.

"This is not simply a matter of the Government confirming what is
already law, as Ms Roxon suggests. This is about legislating
discrimination, a view shared by back benchers of both Labor and The
Coalition, by The Democrats and the Gay and Lesbian community.

"Howard has picked up George W Bush's anti-gay agenda and the ALP looks
set to support him.

"The Greens will be opposing the government's anti-gay agenda and call
on the ALP and Coalition back benchers to join us.

"The Greens are urging the ALP to reconsider their position, and both
oppose the government's amendments to the marriage Act and support The
Greens private members bill which seeks to legalise equal rights for
same sex couples.

"I will be introducing The Greens private members bill in the Senate in
two weeks time. If the other opposition parties have suggestions on how
the bill can be improved The Greens are happy to talk to them.

"It's the responsibility of all parliamentarians concerned with human
rights and the scourge of homophobia to take a firm stand against the
government's attack on same sex couples.

The Greens Member's Bill aims to ensure that people in same sex
relationships enjoy the same rights as people in heterosexual
relationships by abolishing all sexuality-based discrimination relating
to marriage but also to adoption, superannuation, employment
entitlements, access to health services and IVF, and the age of consent.

Contact Jon Edwards - 0428 213 146



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