5 February 2008
HREOC applauds ACT on same-sex parental leave, but the 58 federal laws still remain
Australian Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes, congratulated the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government today on its intention to legislate to allow both partners in a same-sex relationship to access parental leave.
“When you deny parental leave to same-sex parents you inevitably sacrifice the best interests of the children being raised by that couple,” said Commissioner Innes, “and the welfare of children is paramount.”
Mr Innes noted that the ACT Government should be applauded for its vigilance in removing discrimination against same-sex couples from its own laws.
“The fact remains, however, that discrimination against same sex couples continues to exist under federal legislation, which covers most people in the ACT,” Commissioner Innes said.
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) released its Same-Sex: Same Entitlements report in June 2007, which identified 58 federal laws that discriminate against same-sex couples in the areas of work and financial entitlements.
HREOC remains in discussions with the new federal Attorney-General about when the 58 discriminatory laws will be amended.
“We look forward to the day when the federal government removes this discrimination against the more than 25,000 same-sex couples in Australia,” Mr Innes said.
The Same-Sex: Same Entitlements report can be accessed on the HREOC website at www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/samesex/index.html
Media contact: Brinsley Marlay (02) 9284 9656 or 0430 366 529
