[Greens-Media] Same sex equality: Iemma must act as Howard shuns responsibility

[Alison Orme]

Media Release - 21 July 2007

Same sex equality: Iemma must act as Howard shuns responsibility

Greens MP and same sex spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said Prime Minister
John Howard's reluctance to commit to reforming laws that discriminate
against gay and lesbian people, in response to a Human Rights Commission
report to be released today, makes it essential that Premier Iemma clean
up NSW laws to remove existing inequalities.

"Prime Minister Howard's innate conservatism makes reform unlikely, so
the ball rests in Premier Iemma's court to offer gay and lesbian people
equality in the areas such as marriage, parenting and discrimination
laws," Ms Rhiannon said. 

"Unfortunately, the Iemma government has done nothing to suggest that
it will act to pursue equality for its citizens, regardless of their
sexual orientation.

"Today's Galaxy poll confirms what we already know. 

"Many of our laws are homophobic, out of step with public opinion and
ripe for change.

"The NSW Greens will keep our election commitment to introduce a
private members bill on civil unions. 

"The NSW Greens will also pursue our bill to remove loopholes in NSW
Anti-Discrimination Act and push for equal adoption rights. 

"The major parties voted against Greens amendments to make parenting
rights equal in 2000 and shelved the final vote on my
Anti-Discrimination Bill in 2006.

""Both the Liberal and Labor governments at a federal and state level
have misread public opinion when it comes to same sex equality. 

"Now is the time for governments to move out of the dark ages and
remedy outdated and unacceptable inequalities in our laws.

"NSW Greens MPs will be working with our federal colleagues in Canberra
to help make this happen," Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information:  Lee Rhiannon – 9230 3551, 0427 861 568



Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au