GREAT DAY FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES AND THEIR KIDS

The Stanhope Labor Government has today removed another form of discrimination against same-sex couples and their kids with the passage of the Parental Leave Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 through the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Minister for Industrial Relations Andrew Barr said the Stanhope Labor Government is determined to build a better city and a stronger community for every Canberran regardless of their abilities, creed, culture, gender or sexual orientation.

“The family is an important part of the bedrock of our society and no family should be discriminated against,” Mr Barr said.

“The passage of this legislation today provides same-sex couples with the same access to parental leave as other families, providing them with equal opportunities to look after their children and ensuring children can spend more time with both parents.”

Mr Barr said the Opposition Leader should explain why he absented himself from the vote on the Bill.

“Both during this debate and also the debate of the Civil Unions Act the Opposition leader has absented himself from the Chamber,” Mr Barr said. “It’s time the Opposition leader explained to same-sex families and couples if he thinks they deserve the same rights as other Canberrans and if not why not.”

Mr Barr said the Stanhope Labor Government has a proud record of fighting for equality for same-sex couples and their families in the ACT.

“The Stanhope Government has fought hard against the Howard Government and more recently the Rudd Government to secure legally recognised ceremonies as part of the Civil Partnerships Bill 2006,” Mr Barr said. “Unfortunately both Commonwealth Governments made it clear they would undemocratically over-ride the Civil Partnerships Bill if passed by the ACT Legislative Assembly.

“Given the refusal of the Federal Government to consider any compromise the Stanhope Government fought for the best deal it could get for same-sex Canberrans providing a form of civil partnerships with administrative ceremonies conducted by the Registrar General.

“While a long way short of what we were seeking this does allow same-sex couples in Canberra to legally formalise their relationships and unequivocally demonstrate their legal status in terms of Commonwealth superannuation, taxation and social security. I am hopeful that in future years we may be able to move forward and work with the Commonwealth to provide same-sex couples in the ACT with the full rights that would have been available under the Civil Partnerships Bill 2006.

“The Parental Leave Legislation Amendment ACT 2008 removes yet another form of discrimination against same-sex couples and their children in the ACT and builds on our work to secure equal rights for all Canberrans,” Mr Barr said.