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7 May 2007 - No division on relationship recognition, Mr Ruddock |
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The Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby has responded to claims made by Phillip Ruddock’s office on division in the GLBT community with relation to same-sex relationship entitlements. Commenting on our consultation report with over 1,300 participants, Ruddock’s office claimed that there were a range of views within the GLBT community and that reform would require further consultation.
“Our report clearly shows there is very little division in the community on the desire and need for relationship recognition. 98% of the 1,300 participants in our survey said they wanted their relationship recognised in some form,” said Ghassan Kassisieh, spokesperson for the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby. “What the community has said is they want a broad range of options for relationship recognition. This is not division in the community, but the fact, like straight couples, that individual needs and desires will determine whether same-sex couples want de facto, civil union or marriage recognition.” The Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby has requested a meeting with the Attorney General’s office to outline the key facts on our community consultation and gauge a timeline for reform. “The government cannot keep delaying reform because of supposed ‘division’ or cost. The government needs to take action to research the costs and articulate a timeline for reform. That would the response of a responsible government,” Kassisieh added.
“If the government is worried about catching people who are not wanting their relationship recognised, then it should educate the community on provisions which allow them to ‘opt out’ of de facto recognition through statutory declaration. The Lobby has also recommended that social security reforms be implemented after a 12-month ‘phase in’ period, to allow people to time to readjust their finances. Our recommendations are achievable, responsible and comprehensive.”
A full version of our consultation report and recommendations, All Love is Equal … Isn’t It?, is available on our website: www.glrl.org.au.
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