4 September 2008
Historic legislation brings equality to same-sex families
Human Rights Commissioner Graeme Innes AM today welcomed the introduction of legislation to remove discrimination against same-sex couples in Commonwealth Laws.
‘This is historic legislation,’ said Commissioner Innes. ‘The effect of this legislation is that same-sex couples and their children will have the same rights and responsibilities as all other Australian families.’
The legislation implements the recommendations of Same-Sex: Same Entitlements, the 2007 report of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Inquiry into Discrimination against People in Same-Sex Relationships: Financial and Work-Related Entitlements and Benefits.
‘I am delighted that the government has responded so quickly to the recommendations of our Inquiry’, said Commissioner Innes.
‘I congratulate the Rudd Government for honouring its election commitment to remove discrimination against people simply because of who they love.’
The removal of discrimination in areas such as workers’ compensation entitlements, taxation, social security, veterans’ entitlements, Medicare, aged care and migration will have a practical impact on the lives of thousands of Australians.
This legislation also removes discrimination experienced by the children of same-sex families. ‘Children should not be treated differently because of who their parents are,’ said Commissioner Innes.
Same-sex couples repeatedly told the Commission’s Inquiry that what they wanted was the same treatment as all Australian families. One couple from Adelaide said:
We are an average suburban family. We are working hard and contributing to our community. We don’t want special treatment – just what others can expect from their legal and social community.
‘This legislation is an important step towards full equality for same-sex couples and their children’, said Mr Innes.
I look forward to the speedy passage of this legislation through Parliament.
Media contact: Brinsley Marlay (02) 9284 9656 or 0430 366 529
