[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Greens Co-sponsor Same Sex Bill

[Greens]

Media Release
28 September 2006

Greens Co-sponsor Same Sex Bill

The Greens are delighted to co-sponsor a private members Bill to remove
discrimination towards people in same sex unions, in response to Labor's
disappointing lack of action, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

Last night, the Statutes Amendment (Relationships) Bill, virtually
identical to the one introduced by the Government prior to the last
State election, was introduced into the State's Upper House through the
joint sponsorship of Mark Parnell, Michele Lensink (Liberal) and Sandra
Kanck (Democrats).

"Basically, we got sick of waiting for the Government to act.  They said
they would reintroduce it and they haven't.  There is no way they can
ignore it again now.

"This Bill is hardly revolutionary - it's about basic equality and
justice, and fair treatment for all South Australians. 

"We used to be Australia's leader in law reform, now we have the
embarrassment of being the last state in Australia to remove basic
discrimination against people in same sex relationships.

"While we are happy to sponsor this good first step in the right
direction, the Greens want much more substantial change in other obvious
areas of discrimination, including legalisation of marriage and full
parental rights regardless of sexuality, and equal access for LGBTI*
people to adoptions, fostering, and IVF.

"Labor has betrayed the gay and lesbian community.  Let's hope the
introduction of this Bill will force the Government to keep their
promises," he said.   

*Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex


For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893






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