Gays welcome Nationals' support of civil unions
Motion at Nationals' WA conference shows debate maturing on issue
5 August 2006
Gay and Lesbian Equality (WA) Inc. has congratulated the WA National Party on passing a motion supporting civil unions for same-sex couples at its state conference this weekend.
The latest move follows a decision by the WA Nationals prior to the 2005 State Election not to support the WA Liberal Party's policy to roll back gay and lesbian law reforms in WA.
GALE Convenor Rod Swift says says that the motion
"This move by the National Party shows that there is an increasing level of support within the party to secure fairness and certainty for same-sex couples and their families, especially those in rural and regional Western Australia," Mr Swift said.
"We welcome the Nationals' mature debate on civil unions and their continued support for laws which support and protect a diverse range of families and relationships."
Mr Swift said there was need for further relationship law reforms at a state level to protect non-marital relationships.
"Married couples can rely on their marriage certificate when asked by a business or government department to prove their relationship. De facto couples do not have this ability," Mr Swift said.
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