365gay.com is reporting (http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/11/110707oz.htm) that the Government in Australia of John Howard - yes, Magic Bellybutton's favorite man - is now, after doing all it could do to deny rights to gays, promising some crumbs to the LGBT vote if re-elected. Why anyone would possibly believe Howard (who surely is Australia's answer to the Chimperator) is hard to understand. Here are highlights from the story:(Sydney, Australia) Facing likely defeat at the polls the upcoming election the coalition government of Prime Minister John Howard is now looking at the LGBT vote. In a surprise move the government said that if re-elected it would give same-sex couples the same rights to pensions as married couples have. But Wednesday's announcement was greeted largely with distain as little more than an election ploy to make the government appear more moderate. Earlier this year cabinet conservatives quashed a move to introduce a bill to provide limited rights to couples and left any decision on when or if the bill would see the light day to Howard personally. (story)
The new plan would not repeal a 2004 law passed by Howard's government limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples. Nor would it give official recognition to gay couples under a registry or through civil partnerships. In February for the second time Howard's government quashed an attempt by the Australian Capital Territory to enact civil union legislation. (story) The government said that it violated the gay marriage ban. Last year after Howard's government trashed the first ACT bill the federal Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission began an investigation into inequities faced by same-sex couples. The commission held hearings across the country. (story)
Commissioners heard from dozens of gay couples in hearings across the country of how partners have been cut out of wills because they have not legal status, how children in same-sex relationships are harmed, and how federal pension law hurts one partner when the other dies. In its report to the government in June the Commission made more than 50 recommendations and urged the passing laws guaranteeing rights for same-sex couples. The opposition Labor Party, ahead in public opinion polls to win the election, already has said it would approve the commission's full report.
2 comments:
Yes, one of my favourite people!
They are getting desperate. Very desperate. Until now they have refused to even acknowledge that gay couples should be given the same rights as heterosexual defacto couples. Of all their blatant electioneering, this has to be in the top 3.
Thing is, it won't change a vote - Rudd has been saying all along that the Labor party (basically, just like your Democrats) will give defacto rights to gay couples. At least his decision is not an 11th hour announcement.
Neither is willing to change the marriage act, which really makes me angry. How dare they say people don't have a right to be married if they choose, just because their partner is the same gender! Marriage is supposed to be about love and commitment, not gender and politics.
People really disgust me sometimes.
This press release was quite laughable from someone we have come to know as a bigot. Also this announcement came not long after he stated that the people don't care about the individual promises made just the bigger picture.
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