Equality advocates have labelled a proposed federal Civil Partnership’s bill, from Coalition MP Warren Entsch, as a politically convenient half-measure that wouldn’t afford same-sex couples any new rights. (details of the plan here)

Australian Marriage Equality National Convener, Alex Greenwich:

“This civil union proposal isn’t about providing equality for gay and lesbian Australians, it’s about providing politicians with a cop-out option”.

Mr Greenwich said same-sex couples already have access to civil unions in most states, and in all states have access to de facto status (details here):

“Most same-sex couples already have access to civil union schemes, why waste time legislating for something we already have, and haven’t taken up in meaningful numbers?”.

“The world has moved on from civil unions and Australians have opened their hearts and minds to marriage equality”. Mr Greenwich said citing continued polling showing a majority of Australians support marriage equality. (details here)

Mr Greenwich said the fact the coalition is looking at such a scheme is evidence of the mounting pressure that the momentum for equality is having:

“When politicians start to workshop ways out of important debates, it is clear they are feeling the pressure from the strong momentum towards equality.”

“Rather than talking up ‘clever compromises’ coalition members should follow Jeff Kennett’s lead and go on the journey of acceptance of marriage equality that most Australians have”.

Mr Greenwich called on Mr Entsch to submit his Civil Partnerships Bill to the current Senate Inquiry looking into marriage equality. He also warned Labor against joining the Mr Entsch in stymieing the marriage equality campaign:

“We hope Labor will stick to their new pro marriage equality policy. If they were to back the legislated discrimination of civil unions it would give the Greens a clear point of differentiation in the inner-city seats where they gain ground at every election”.

For further information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.