I got a copy now that I can copy and paste. What do you think?
MEDIA RELEASE
30 April 2008
GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT FAILS TO DELIVER EQUALITY FOR GAY AND LESBIAN AUSTRALIANS
“Important as it is, ending discrimination is not just about money. It is about how we, as gay and lesbian Australians, are valued as human beings in our own country, by our own country.”
Australian Marriage Equality (AME) has noted the Government’s announced intention to remove financial discrimination against same-sex couples but has criticised it for failing to remove all discrimination under Australian law.
“The Federal Government has got it wrong by asserting that discrimination is only about financial entitlements”, said AME national convener, Peter Furness.
“Important as it is, ending discrimination is not just about money. It is about how we, as gay and lesbian Australians, are valued as human beings in our own country, by our own country.”
“Most of us consider our right to marry a birthright but until we too are allowed to marry, and have our marriages legally recognised, then neither we nor the government can claim that we are truly equal under Australian law”, said Peter Furness.
AME also criticised the Government for the complexity of its plans.
“With around 100 Acts to be amended, this is an extraordinarily complex way to deliver financial equality when the Government could simply amend a few words in the Marriage Act.”
Around 800 Australian same-sex couples have already married or entered similar arrangements overseas. Given the growing number of countries which provide equal marriage, today’s announced changes can only be described as insufficient.
“The Rudd Government’s policy to recognise same-sex relationships through state-based registers may have the blessing of anti-gay hate groups like the Australian Christian Lobby, but it does not grant same-sex couples the dignity, respect and equality they deserve.”
“Australia remains well and truly behind the eight ball when compared to countries like Canada, Spain or South Africa. If the government or its supporters claim that today’s announcement delivers equality, they are being dishonest.”
“Perhaps Kevin Rudd will expect gratitude today. But does he really think we should have such low expectations from our own country?”, asked Peter Furness.
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