While it seems to have its share of Christianists, Australia is on the move to join modern, progressive nations that grant equal rights to all citizens. Meanwhile, the USA falls further and further behind the mainstream of modern democracies with the Chimperator's regime still at the helm. While the planned legislation will not grant Australian gays equal marriage rights, it will remove inequalities in 100 areas of the law. It certainly beats the status of gays here in backwards Virginia. Here are some highlights from coverage by the Sydney Morning Herald:
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THE long battle by gay and lesbian partners for the same legal and financial rights as de facto heterosexual couples is about to end, with the Rudd Government planning to remove inequalities in 100 areas of the law. The federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, will announce today that the necessary legislation will be introduced when Parliament resumes next month for the winter sittings.
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The measures do not amount to gay marriage; they afford gay couples the same treatment as heterosexual de facto couples in areas such as tax, superannuation sharing and social security. The issue came to a head last year when the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission found discrimination existed in 58 areas of financial and work-related laws.
The measures do not amount to gay marriage; they afford gay couples the same treatment as heterosexual de facto couples in areas such as tax, superannuation sharing and social security. The issue came to a head last year when the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission found discrimination existed in 58 areas of financial and work-related laws.
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Upon Labor winning government, Mr McClelland instituted his own review of Commonwealth laws which found inequities in 100 areas, many more than uncovered by the commission's report. Mr McClelland said all would be redressed. As well as tax, superannuation and social security, other areas to be reformed include health, aged care, veterans' entitlements, workers' compensation, employment and entitlements.
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"They will make a practical difference to the everyday lives of a group of our fellow Australians who have suffered discriminations under Commonwealth laws for far too long." All the changes would be operational by the middle of next year; most will begin as soon as legislation is passed. The Australian Democrats have long supported the reforms and there will be no problem with the laws passing the Senate before July 1. Mr McClelland said children of gay couples would not be disadvantaged by the changes.
1 comment:
I'm not holding my breath though until it is actually passed in parliament.
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