The Gillard Government’s failure to allow same-sex marriages will be in the global spotlight this week.
On Thursday Australia will appear before the UN to answer questions about its human rights record, included a question from the Netherlands about the failure of the Australian Government to allow same-sex marriages or recognise them from overseas.
Australian Marriage Equality National Convener, Alex Greenwich, said the Gillard Government’s failure to allow same-sex marriages is an easily-removed stain on the nation’s human rights record.
“As we celebrate our nation’s achievements on Australia Day, let’s keep in mind that the test of national values like equality and a fair-go is whether they are extended to all citizens”, Mr Greenwich said.
“Australia is a human rights leader and to remain in that position we must show we are genuine about human rights by removing the legal inequalities experienced by same-sex couples.”
On Thursday all the member states of the United Nations will have an opportunity to ask the Australian Government questions about its human rights record.
The Netherlands has flagged that it will ask the following question:
“What specific measures will the Australian Government take to ensure equality before the law of all its citizens regardless of sexual orientation, and will this include allowing same-sex partners to marry and recognise same-sex marriages from overseas, as well as ensuring equal rights for same-sex partners seeking to become parents, or who are currently parenting?”
For the full list of questions Australia will face visit
http://www.hrlrc.org.au/files/Advance-Questions.pdf
For background on the UN review of Australia’s human rights record visit
http://www.hrlrc.org.au/content/universal-periodic-review-ngo-delegation-updates/
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.