The Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws - General Law Reform) Bill 2008 has been sent to a Senate Inquiry with a reporting date of 30th September.
This bill alters 65 pieces of legislation that currently discriminate against same-sex couples and their families.
The call for written submissions is Monday 15th September 2008 at 5pm. The Australian Coalition for Equality has prepared a short sample submission for you to submit to show your commitment to these historic reforms.
There are a number of Senate Inquiries currently underway that affect same-sex couples. It is important that these inquiries receive submissions from the supporters of same-sex couple entitlements to ensure that the Government's equality reforms are watered down by the Senate as part of its review process.
Issues
There are a number of issues being investigated by the Senate as part of the referral of these bills to the Senate Committee. The key issues are:
Interdependent relationships. Some Coalition members want same-sex couples recognised as interdependent couples. This is unfair to same-sex partners because it mischaracterises us as companions.
Couple relationships. This is the umbrella term used by the Government to cover married couples, same and opposite sex defacto couples and state-registered couples. Some Coalition members want marriage removed from this category so it has a 'special status'. We urge you to oppose this, because it inscribes into law a separate and potentially second-class status for same and opposite-sex defacto and registered couples.
Protecting our children. Some Coalition members are concerned about recognising the children of same-sex couples. We urge you to support full and equal legal recognition for all children, including those raised by same-sex couples.
Sample Submission
To assist you in preparing your submission, the Australian Coalition for Equality has prepared a draft submission for members of the community to download and send off. It is important that the committee receives personal stories from our community, so please take 5 minutes to include your personal story.
Fill in your personal story on page 1 of this word document. In your own words explain how recognition of same-sex couples will have a positive impact on your lives and those around you. If you have experienced discrimination before please share your story.
Feel free to add points underneath each of the inquiry headings or more generally under the 3 inquiries heading.
Include your full name, phone number and address at the bottom of the word document.
Delete all highlighted text in the document
Email the word document to
or print the letter and post to the address at the top of the letter.
Committee Secretary Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee Department of the Senate PO Box 6100 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 c/-
Inquiry into Same-Sex Relationship (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws - Superannuation) Bill 2008
Written Submission Closing Date: 25 July 2008
This bill recognises same-sex couples as defacto partners, and also recognises same-sex couples as the parents of children created as part of their relatinship. It provides for a reversionary pension for the same-sex partner of a Commonwealth employee and changes the private superannuation funds to allow same-sex partners to be recognised as a defacto couple.
This bill, amongst many other aspects, recognises same-sex couples as a 'defacto partner'. In this regard the bill provides compellability provisions to ensure same-sex couples are treated in the same manner as opposite-sex defacto partners. That is to say, that a same-sex partner would not be compelled to give evidence against their partner in certain legal proceedings.
Inquiry into the Family Law Amendment (De Facto Financial Matters and Other Measures) Bill 2008 [Provisions]
Written Submission Closing Date: 25 July 2008
This bill provides equal access to the Family Court of Australia for same-sex couples during a relationship breakdown. Currently same-sex couples may access the family court for children related matters but are forced to use their State's Supreme Court for property division and maitenance.
2008 Senate Inquiries
