Rodney Croome . gay advocate

o) Articles by other people

Bandt's opposition to national civil unions welcomed / Vow to continue equality fight applauded

This media release was issued by Australian Marriage Equality on 3.9.10.

Australian marriage equality advocates have welcomed comments from Green MHR-elect Adam Bandt opposing a national civil union scheme as a substitute for full marriage equality because it would "entrench two-tiers of relationships".

Yesterday on Melbourne radio station JOY 94.9 FM Mr Bandt said he would not support any proposal for a national civil union scheme instead of marriage equality because "it may be that we only get one shot at this, and it may be that that actually puts it off...that if we vote for that, that we're entrenching two tiers of relationships".

Mr Greenwich said Mr Bandt's opposition to a national civil union scheme instead of equality in marriage will send a strong message to the Labor Party not to put forward such a proposal.

"Mr Bandt is correct that a national civil union scheme instead of equality in marriage would entrench discrimination rather than remove it."

A transcript of Mr Bandt's comments are included below.

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a) Gay Tasmania

A scrap of paper

This article was published in the Launceston Examiner on 3.9.10

When Hobart-born Baywatch star, Jaason Simmons, travels back to Tassie with his husband and adopted son, his Canadian marriage has no legal standing.

If, for example, Jaason was in an accident, the hospital could shut the door on his husband and son.

Despite the solemn vows of life-long commitment they have exchanged overseas, Tasmanian law treats these two men like strangers and their certificate as a meaningless scrap of paper.

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d) Family, relationships and marriage

Case studies of the benefits of inter-jurisdictional recognition of personal unions

The following case studies were taken from briefing materials for Tasmanian MPs published in August 2010.

1. Examples of the practical benefits of UK recognition of Tasmanian Deeds of Relationship

a) Mary-ann (surname withheld), Launceston

Our Deed of Relationship made it possible for Jen to have me recognised by her UK work pension as her partner when the UK Government finally decided to recognise same-sex relationships in 2005. It was very easy. All we needed to do was send a certified copy of our Tasmanian Deed.

b) David Samson, Huon Valley (taken from evidence given to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission inquiry into same-sex entitlements in Hobart in October 2006 )

I’m 59 and looking at retiring in the next year or so. I’m trying to set up provision to protect Kevin should I die before he does. I expect to be able to access my British local government superannuation pension next year. The British Government will recognise our relationship if we take out a civil partnership under the Tasmanian legislation.

When I wrote (our HREOC) submission I was that annoyed it seemed Kevin and I would have to go all the way to the UK or go to the UK Embassy and take out a civil partnership agreement under British legislation rather than enter into a recognised relationship in Australia. That seemed an impost, particularly for Kevin who’s not a British citizen. Now we don’t actually have to do that. All we need to do is go across the road and register our partnership under Tasmanian law and the British Government will recognise that.

The British pension I’m looking forward to comes in the form of a partial lump sum payment and an annual pension. Once I access that pension, if I should die, heaven forbid one year after I retire, then Kevin will get one year’s worth of pension, but after that, without us having gone into a Tasmanian civil partnership, Kevin would have had to fight for (the rest). Whether he would have been successful I don’t know (but) certainly under British law we understand he will be successful if we have that Tasmanian civil partnership.

c) Jason (surname withheld), Lenah Valley

My partner was from England and moved to Tasmania to be with me. We had our relationship registered under the Tasmanian Relationships Act 2003. We were so relieved that our relationship recognition in Tasmania was recognised under UK Law. It meant that if my partners parents fell ill and needed care, or for whatever reason we needed to move to the UK, we had the peace of mind knowing that under immigration laws, that reciprocal recognition meant a much easier process of relocating. I am sure there must be reverse instances of those who move to the UK from Tasmania who would want that peace of mind. There is also something to be said for the simple principle of equality before the law. Heterosexual couples enjoy mutual recognition of their marriages or relationships across jurisdictions, so why shouldn't same sex couples? When I discovered the UK recognised the registration of our relationship, it was a significant feeling of validation of myself and my relationship. As a gay man, I felt recognised not marginalised.

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b) Gay Australia

Equality or bust

This article was published in MCV and SX News on 24.8.10.

Deadlines being what they are I wrote this before the federal election.

But while I couldn’t know the outcome of the election campaign, there are some things the campaign has shown are quite certain.

First, whichever party won there is a good chance LGBTI human rights will “move forward”.

For the first time in history both major parties support better federal protections against discrimination for LGBTI people.

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o) Articles by other people

Election result moves Australia closer to marriage equality / Labor loss Green gains attributed to stand on equality

This media release was issued by Australian Marriage Equality on 22.8.10

"The message is clear: Labor must stop opposing marriage equality if it is to win back the trust and support of the Australian community and the Greens have a clear mandate to achieve marriage equality."
- Alex Greenwich, AME National Convener

Australia's marriage equality advocates have welcomed the federal election result saying it moves the nation "a huge step closer" to allowing same-sex marriages.

Australian Marriage Equality spokesperson, Alex Greenwich, said that now the balance of power is held by independents in the Lower House and the Greens in the Senate, the chances of reform have dramatically increased.

"If a major party can be persuaded by the Greens and/or independents to have a conscience vote, it's game on", Mr Greenwich said.

"The 2010 election campaign saw the issue of marriage equality move to the centre of the political stage, and now the result has seen achieving marriage equality move into the realms of real possibility."

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o) Articles by other people

Gillard slammed over 'Christian heritage' claim / Advocates demand Gillard 'explain or withdraw her comments'

This media release was issued by Australian Marriage Equality on 20.8.10.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has been savaged by marriage equality advocates who have labelled her claim that she opposes same-sex marriage because of Australia's "heritage as a Christian country", as offensive, ridiculous and extreme.

Australian Marriage Equality National Secretary, Peter Furness, said Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Mexico and all other countries that allow same-sex marriages have a much longer "Christian heritage" than Australia.

"We demand Julia Gillard explain what Australia's "Christian heritage" has to do with same-sex marriage - does she believe discrimination is acceptable because some people think homosexuality is a sin, or because a minority of couples still marry in churches even though marriage is a civil, secular institution in Australian society?"

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o) Articles by other people

LGBTI* election issues ‘about more than just marriage equality’ / Political party responds to 30 questions across 9 topic areas / Commitment from ALL parties to introduce federal anti-discrimination laws

This media release was issued by the Australian Coalition for Equality on 17.8.10

The Australian Coalition for Equality (ACE) today released the results of its 2010 LGBTI* Federal Election survey on the website movingforward.org.au. Covering nine topic areas, the ALP, Coalition, Australian Greens, Secular Party of Australia, Socialist Alliance and Australian Sex Party responded to over 30 questions affecting the LGBTI community.

Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson Corey Irlam said the 2010 federal election was about “more than just marriage equality” to the LGBTI community.

“From people receiving official documents with their affirmed gender, to addressing homophobic bullying in schools and ensuring culturally appropriate aged care service – political party positions affect LGBTI people in a wide range of areas.” Said Mr Irlam

The Australian Coalition for Equality has been lobbying on the issue of anti-discrimination laws for the past eighteen months, encouraging all parties to address this major gap in federal laws. Mr Irlam said ACE was “pleased” that all parties have agreed to introduce federal protections from discrimination.

“After 15 years of the parliament discussing the need to have federal discrimination protections, it is fantastic to see both major political parties support this much needed legislation being introduced.”

Over all, the coalition provided more unsupportive answers with the ALP providing a greater number of “qualified support” and unresponsive answers. The minor parties provide the greatest level of firm commitments to issues raised in the survey.

In commenting on the responses Mr Irlam said it was necessary for people to look at the answers provided by the parties to ensure they casted an informed vote on August 21. Mr Irlam also encouraged people voting above the line in the Senate to be aware of where their vote may end up in the preferential system.

“We encourage members and supporters of the LGBTI community to take 5 minutes to review the parties responses, in order to make an informed decision at the booth on 21 August.

Gay and Lesbian Equality (WA) has created a great document on each of the WA parties in the Senate outlining their policies and where their preferences are targeted available at www.galewa.asn.au In all other states the website www.belowtheline.org.au provides information about party preferences.

To read ACE’s commentary of each party’s responses, a comparative assessment of the survey and the individual responses received – go to www.movingforward.org.au and click on the Australian Coalition for Equality logo.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL SCORECARD: here

For further comment contact Corey Irlam on 0401 738 996.

LGBTI* = lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex

~ Election Survey overview

The Australian Coalition for Equality surveyed six political parties on nine policy areas affecting LGBTI Australians. Responses were received to the 30-plus questions and are available by clicking the Australian Coalition for Equality logo at www.movingforward.com.au

1. LGBTI equality achievements – what has each party done to help achieve equality?
2. Anti-Discrimination – will they introduce federal anti-discrimination laws without exemptions?
3. Relationships & Families – what is their view on same-sex marriage, overseas surrogacy arrangements & nationally inclusive adoption laws.
4. Aged Care & LGBTI people – how will older LGBTI people receive culturally appropriate aged care services?
5. Sex and Gender Diverse Australians – what is their response to the Australian Human Rights Commissions ‘Sex Files’ report & related issues?
6. Strategic approach to LGBTI Health & Wellbeing – how will the party respond to the health needs of LGBTI Australians? (for more on this issue see the National LGBT Health Alliance Federal Election survey – www.lgbthealth.org.au/election2010)
7. Strategic approach to LGBTI Issues in Education – how will your party address homophobia in schools & ensure an appropriate place for LGBTI issues in the national curriculum?
8. Research into LGBTI – will the party support including sexual orientation in the next census and other key research conducted by government.
9. Australia’s International Leadership Role – what will the party do to advance LGBTI issues internationally, in particular opposing criminalisation in the UN and Commonwealth?

~ Assessment of Party responses

The Australian Coalition for Equality has also created a summary sheet of party responses indicating if they support, don’t support, provided a qualified support or were unresponsive to each of the questions.

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o) Articles by other people

Major parties don't deserve equality vote

This media release was issued by Australian Marriage Equality on 17.8.10

Australian marriage equality advocates say there is a clear choice this election for voters who support full legal equality for same-sex couples.

Australian Marriage Equality National Secretary, Peter Furness, said a range of small parties have responded positively to AME's election survey, with Labor not endorsing equality and the Liberals not yet responding.

"For people who want to vote for equality the choice is clearly not the Coalition or Labor", Mr Furness said.

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o) Articles by other people

Another Labor candidate declares support for marriage equality / Labor's opposition to equality 'falling apart'

This media release was issued by Australian Marriage Equality on 16.8.10

A fourth Labor Party election candidate has declared support for allowing same-sex couples to marry.

On Melbourne radio this morning, ALP candidate in the Victorian seat of Higgins, Tony Clark, said he personally supports same-sex marriages on the basis of "equity" and will seek to overturn Labor's opposition to marriage equality if elected.

Clark joins fellow Labor candidates, Cath Bowtell in the seat of Melbourne, Steven Hurd in the seat of Kooyong, and Steven Lewis in the seat of Wentworth, as well as Tasmanian Liberal, Cameron Simpkins, in seat of Denison, who have all declared their personal support for marriage equality.

Australian Marriage Equality National Secretary, Peter Furness, said Labor's opposition to marriage equality is falling apart at the seams.

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o) Articles by other people

Ultimatum to Gillard: come clean on religious block to same-sex marriages

This media release was issued by Australian Marriage Equality on 16.8.10.

Marriage equality advocates have called on Labor Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, to come clean about whether "the power of the churches" is holding Australia back from allowing same-sex couples to marry.

Australian Marriage Equality National Secretary, Peter Furness, issued the ultimatum after former Labor leader, Mark Latham, said he regrets supporting a Howard Government ban on same-sex marriages in 2004 and blamed his decision on fear of being "denounced" by parish priests.

"Churches can solemnise whatever religious marriages they wish, but when it comes to the civil institution of marriage, religious prejudice should not be allowed to stand in the way of legal equality for same-sex couples", Mr Furness said.

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