Marriage equality advocates say Census data released today, including a doubling in the number of children being raised by same-sex couples, re-inforces the case for marriage equality.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome said,
“The doubling in the number of children who are being raised by same-sex couples is a strong argument for marriage equality because discrimination in the law is currently denying these children the opportunity and benefits of having married parents.”
“The 1,300 same-sex couples who have indicated they are already married sends a message that at the very least Australia’s law against recognising overseas same-sex marriages should be repealed.”
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today released demographic information on same-sex couples from the 2011 Census.
The Census found the number of same-sex partners has increased since 2006, that 1,300 same-sex couples are married, and that the number of children being raised by same-sex couples has almost doubled from 2001 and is now at 6,300.
Mr Croome said the ABS has acknowledged the actual numbers are likely to be much higher because many same-sex partners don’t want to indicate their relationship status on an official form, or don’t know they can.
Mr Croome also expressed scepticism about results showing higher than average education and employment rates among same-sex partners.
“I interpret the increase in same-sex couples as representing an increase in the confidence of same-sex partners to officially indicate their relationship rather than an actual increase in same-sex couples.”
“But there are still many same-sex partners who are wary of ticking the box that indicates they are in a relationship, or aren’t aware this is an option, including those from ethnic or lower socio-economic backgrounds.”
“This is why I take statistics about same-sex couples having higher than average education and employment levels with a grain of salt.”
For the ABS data, click here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 25 July 2013