| Subject: Senator Greig Calls for Senate Inquiry (28-5-04) |
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Date Posted: Wednesday, June 02, 11:42:16pm
In reply to:
Sexuality Officer
's message, "Same-Sex Marriage Debate" on Wednesday, May 19, 11:04:53pm
MEDIA RELEASE - 28 May 2004
Senator Brian Greig
Democrats spokesperson for Attorney General and Justice
The Australian Democrats are today calling for a Senate inquiry to properly investigate proposed new laws designed to change the Marriage Act and reinforce existing offshore adoption procedures.
Democrats’ Attorney General & Justice spokesperson, Senator Brian Greig, says a volatile and polarising election environment is not the appropriate time or place to rush through significant legal changes which will directly effect many people’s lives.
“The human rights of gay and lesbian people and their children must not be used as a cynical election wedge,” Senator Greig said.
Senator Greig says a thorough Senate inquiry is needed to study the results of banning civil marriage to same-sex couples, and to explore the issues surrounding same-sex parenting generally.
“The Howard Government’s plans to block marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples wrongly sends the message that same-sex couples are not socially valid, significantly caring or worthy of legal protections,” Senator Greig said.
“The proposed ban on overseas adoptions sends the message that gay and lesbian couples are not capable of offering a caring, stable family environment in which to raise children. This is absolutely appalling,” Senator Greig said.
“As a community and a parliament we must have a sensible debate about gay and lesbian relationships, and expose the many myths and misconceptions surrounding this issue."
Senator Greig says it is grossly irresponsible for the Government to attempt to cement anti-gay prejudice into law, when its rationale is founded on such blatant untruths.
“Rather than using same-sex families as targets for electoral hostility, the Government should address the serious, ongoing discrimination constantly levelled at gay and lesbian people. It is the Government’s duty to provide the best legal protections possible for the many children being raised by same sex couples,” Senator Greig said.
Senator Greig says the Senate’s Legal and Constitutional References Committee should look closely at the “marriage ban” and “overseas adoption ban” Bills, and propose sensible recommendations.
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