Greens to pursue federal government on same-sex couples access to the Family Court

Professor Nicholson has argued that not to amend federal law to allow
same-sex couples to access the Family Court 'would be a continuing
breach of the human rights of lesbians and gay men and their families.'

"I will be pursuing this matter with the Federal government next week in
Senate Estimates and when I receive a briefing on the new legislation.

"The government needs to ensure that they include the recognition of
registered same-sex relationships in their same sex law reform package
that we are due to see next week.

"If the government fails to give registered relationships recognition
under federal law, including access to the Family Court, then they will
have failed the non-discrimination test.

"If the government does not move to recognise state and territory
registered relationships in federal law The Greens will move amendments
to ensure that this occurs.

"Labor cannot have a bob each way on discrimination. Either they support
equal rights or they are for discrimination. The Greens will continue to
push for full equality for same-sex couples.

The first tranche of legislation to amend federal law to eliminate
discrimination against same-sex couples is expected to be introduced
next week with further amendments due in June.

Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146

[via Senator Kerry Nettle Media Release Thursday 22 May 2008 link]