by NICOLA ROXON
Let me say from the outset that I have attended same sex weddings. They happen in Australia often.
For those who haven’t attended one, there are many things you will find familiar. There are vows, rings, thousands of photos and even confetti. There are proud parents and happy friends dressed up to the nines. They get followed by receptions with food and wine, dancing and embarrassing speeches.
What they miss is not love, or family, or commitment.
What such a ceremony lacks is a legal certificate that our Commonwealth Marriage Act currently prevents it from having.
So these weddings are unofficial – but that doesn’t stop them from occurring.
The status of homosexual Australians has changed dramatically over the past 40 years. A major part of this has been legal change. We’ve gone from laws that criminalise and lock up gays, to laws that protect their rights.
In the sweep of history, much of this change has actually been quite recent.
Our Government has a proud history in this area.
Three years ago this Labor Government changed 85 Commonwealth laws to remove discrimination and equalise treatment. This covered areas such as Medicare, social security and superannuation – changes that have a financial impact; changes that put government benefits on an equal footing, laws that properly acknowledge caring relationships.
Earlier this year I was proud to remove the impediments for same sex couples to obtain ‘Certificates of No Impediment’ for marriage overseas in the various countries that already allow same sex marriage.
Top Comments
Is anyone actually against gay marriage? I have never actually heard anyone openly say that gay people should not marry. I've only ever met people who really support it, or people who couldn't care less so we may as well have it. Maybe people against it just don't speak out, probably because they don't want to be identified as homophobic weirdos? Are there really normal, educated, ordinary people who are against it?
You're very lucky if you haven't heard anyone say that. I'm from a very small town and whilst the younger generation here almost fully support it, I'm afraid the GEN X's aren't as open-minded.
how about we repeal the Marriage Act altogether and stop legislating peoples' personal relationships? now that's a debate that's worth having.