Current Media Releases Gay & Lesbian Equality (WA) welcomes announcement of Civil Partnerships Bill for Western Australia
MEDIA RELEASE
Gay & Lesbian Equality (WA) welcomes announcement of Civil Partnerships Bill for Western Australia
Saturday 15th January, 2011
In response to recent information that the WA Nationals are considering a draft civil partnerships bill in Western Australia, peak lobby group Gay & Lesbian Equality (WA) have announced their cautious support for the draft legislation.
"A civil partnerships bill would be a valuable step towards the legal recognition of loving same-sex couples and families in Western Australia. Gay & Lesbian Equality (WA) welcomes the move by the Nationals to consider taking the lead on this issue" said spokesperson Kitty Hawkins.
"The WA Nationals have long had a party policy supporting civil partnerships legislation, and if they choose to act on this draft legislation, the bill would be able to become a reality with the support of Labor and the Greens - even if the Liberal Party chose not support the legislation."
"For the many loving couples of any sex who struggle to prove the existence of their relationships, such legislation would allow them to have their relationships recognised by law, and legally celebrated in front of friends and family, without taking the route of marriage. The legislation would also protect their families' ability to access civil institutions in Western Australia."
However, it is important to recognise that civil partnerships would not mean full equality for sexuality & gender diverse community members.
"Establishing civil partnerships for same-sex couples as a separate institution to marriage continues to establish these loving couples as separate and unequal to heterosexual couples. In a nation where people of any race, religion or no faith at all can get married, and where marriage is not a requirement for raising a family, there is no legitimate reason for not allowing same-sex couples full marriage rights."
"As a nation we have consistently been polled on the issue, showing time and time again that our citizens overwhelmingly support same-sex marriage. It is time our government caught up."
The latest Galaxy
Poll commissioned by Australian Marriage Equality in 2010 showed that:
• 62% of all Australians, 72% of Australians with children, and 49% of Liberal voters believe same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.
• 15% of male same-sex couples and 25%
of female same-sex couples are raising children.
• 68% of marriages in Australia are performed by civil celebrants.
Source: Australian Marriage Equality
Four Australian
states already have some kind of civil union scheme, two of which allow
same-sex couples to have official ceremonies.
Kitty Hawkins
Convenor / Spokesperson
Gay & Lesbian Equality (WA) Inc.
P: 0414 846 153
E:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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