Today's decision by the ACT Parliament to allow civil ceremonies between same-sex couples places the spotlight on the Rudd Government's commitment to equality for gay and lesbian people.  Australia's Constitution provides the Federal Government with powers that enable it to overturn Territory Government decisions, giving the Prime Minister the final say over whether gay and lesbian Territorians will have access to the new laws.  Former Prime Minister John Howard intervened in 2006 to overturn the Stanhope Government's Civil Unions Act, which, like today's reforms, would have enabled same-sex couples to enter into civil unions.

The Rudd Government is to be commended for delivering 85 reforms for gay and lesbian people and the Labor Party is to be commended for being the only major party, at a State or Federal level, to have delivered reforms for gay and lesbian people.  However, until Federal Labor changes its policy of not allowing marriages (or civil unions, at least) between same-sex couples, their commitment to equality for gay and lesbian people will always be questioned.  There is no such thing as partial equality - we are either equal or we are not - and, as long as our governments deny us the same opportunities as straight people, they provide comfort to members of the public who seek to treat us differently.

I understand that many gay and lesbian people do not want to get married, but that is not the point.  Straight people who do not want to get married, at least have a choice.  We should have the same choice - otherwise we are not equal.

As Gavin blogged earlier today, the Rudd Government's 85 gay and lesbian law reforms are now being promoted by ACON.  Unfortunately for the Prime Minister, if he overturns the new ACT laws, he will get little credit for the important reforms he has achieved.  I hope he doesn't blow it.

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Comments (4)

• |13:13 11-11-2009 leece johnson  - Almost equal ain't equal
  its time the pollys stopped telling us how we should live our lives . they dont know best.
  i wonder how this efects us trans people.
  leece
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• |23:50 11-11-2009 David  - responce to leece
  they should know best - we the people vote them into power. If they dont know best it is our fault
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• |22:27 13-11-2009 Jodie  - We choose them - but our choices are limited
  I disagree. Sure, we vote our politicions in but our choices are limited. Show me any party in the last election who are 100% behind GLBTQ issues and I'll show you who I vote for.
  
  Unfortunately, the majority still determines our rights.
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• |09:11 17-11-2009 Clive  - ...and no apology
  We don't have equal partnership rights in this country, which is to our collective shame.
  
  For those who are happy with same-sex defacto relationships, fine.
  
  For those who want same-sex civil unions, fine.
  
  For those who want same-sex marriages, fine.
  
  For those who want any other relationship recognised under law, fine.
  
  It comes down to choice for those involved, but must be protected by law - equality for all.
  
  And now for the apology.
  
  Indigenous Australians - yes!
  
  "Forgotten" Australians - yes!
  
  GLBTIQ - .....
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