Gay advocates thank Federal parliamentarians for same-sex reform
2 December 2008
Gay & Lesbian rights group the Australian Coalition for Equality today presented all parliamentarians with a small gift of chocolates to say thank you for the recent passage of the same-sex law reforms.
Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson Corey Irlam said: "Chocolates are a world-renowned symbol of love. We wanted to say thanks to all parliamentarians for recognising that the love shared between two men or two women is no different to the love shared between a man and a woman."
"We know that some parliamentarians were uncomfortable when the bills were first introduced, but we recognise that the vast majority of parties provided bi-partisan support in the end. Given Senator Fielding, Independent MP Bob Katter and renegade Nationals Barnaby Joyce vote against some of the bills in the end we decided not to present them with a thank you."
The amendment of some 85 pieces of legislation means that same-sex defacto couples will be treated equally with opposite sex defacto couples under the law. In particular, families headed by same-sex couples will have the same legal protections as those headed by opposite-sex couples under the Family Law Act.
"The recent removal of discrimination against same-sex couples and their families means that finally children in families headed by same-sex couples have been brought in from the cold. This will be the first Christmas these children will have the legal, financial and emotional security that comes with having both their parents legally recognised."
