[Greens-Media] Spam: Greens introduce Bill to remove ban on same-sex marriage + Rudd government ignores opportunity to remove same-sex discrimination

[Nettle, Kerry (Senator)]

15.02.08

Greens introduce Bill to remove ban on same-sex marriage 

Greens Senator Kerry Nettle this week introduced a Bill into Parliament
to amend the Marriage Act 1961 and allow same-sex marriage.

The Greens' Marriage (Relationships Equality) Amendment Bill 2008 will
redefine marriage to mean "the union of two persons, regardless of their
sexual orientation or gender identity, voluntarily entered into for
life".

"The Greens are calling on the new government to support our Bill and to
work fast to remove all discrimination against same-sex couples in
Commonwealth law as identified by HREOC," said Senator Nettle.







Rudd government ignores opportunity to remove same-sex discrimination  

Meanwhile, changes to the Aged Care Act 1997 have been introduced by the
Rudd government. The Act is one of the 58 Commonwealth laws which HREOC
identified as discriminating against same-sex couples. 

"The Rudd government's amendment does not incorporate HREOC
recommendations. The Act will remain discriminatory," said Senator
Nettle.

"Why hasn't the new government taken this opportunity to remove
discrimination against same-sex couples? We hope they haven't begun
breaking their promises to the gay and lesbian community already. 

"At the next sitting of Parliament I will move an amendment in the
Senate to ensure that HREOC's recommendations are incorporated.

"I'm calling on both the major parties to work together with The Greens
to remove all discrimination, including the Labor/Liberal ban on
same-sex marriage."






For more information contact: Peter Stahel 0433 005 727