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New gay rights bill passed in Australia
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New gay rights bill faces criticism for ââ¬Ëlegalising polygamyââ¬â¢
"The Same-Sex Entitlement Bill aims to ensure equal treatment for all gay and lesbian, ensuring they have the same rights as straight couples in a relationship"
Today saw the introduction of Australia’s controversial new Same Sex Entitlement Bill. While gay rights activists across Australia have welcomed the bill, some critics have accused it of legalising polygamy.
The Same-Sex Entitlement Bill aims to ensure equal treatment for all gay and lesbian couples, ensuring they have the same rights as straight couples. It removes discrimination among same-sex couples, which includes immigration, taxation, pensions and aged care.
The bill was passed as part of the country’s Labour government’s commitment to ongoing reform in human rights and equal opportunities. In total, 58 laws that currently discriminate against same-sex couples will be amended.
The new legislation recognises de facto couples (domestic partners) even if one or both partners is still legally married to someone else. This has lead some critics to suggest that the new laws promote polygamy. Liberal MP Sophie Mirabella explained to the Herald Sun:
"The third person in an extramarital relationship can effectively claim the assets of a marriage or of the long-term de facto relationship,"
However, Rodney Croome, gay rights activist quashed Mirabella’s criticism:
"The Opposition is saying a marriage without love is more important than a de facto relationship with it
"The Government's initiative is about giving equal protection to de facto partners no matter what their personal circumstances, and we strongly urge both the Government and the Senate not to cave in to the Opposition's prejudices."
While the bill is a step forward for gay rights in Australia, gay marriage remains illegal since a federal legislation banning all same-sex marriage was passed under the reign of former PM John Howard. Despite his defeat in 2007, further debate on the issue of gay marriage has not been opened.
The new Same Sex Entitlement Bill should be effective as of mid-2009.
