The Marriage Equality Bill 2010 seeks to remove discrimination against same-sex couples in the Marriage Act. We believe that same-sex couples should have the same human rights as other couples to celebrate their love and commitment through marriage. Discrimination against minority groups in our modern society is inexcusable & unconscionable, the Equality Action Group represents a growing number of people from Gilmore & across the country, who believe ALL Australians are entitled to Equal Human Rights.
* Countries including Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Spain, South Africa, Mexico and many US states now recognise same-sex marriages.
* In 1980 Australia agreed to be bound by the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights, which states; "All persons are equal before the law and are entitled without discrimination to the equal protection of the law. In this respect, the law shall prohibit any discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any ground.."
* Recently highlighted by the media, is the growing numbers of gay teen bullying & suicides. This makes it clear that it's not just about adult same-sex couples wanting to get married, but teens growing up struggling to except who they are.
* Since 2007 opinion polls have shown over 60% of Australians support same-sex marriage, recently over 70% want to see a conscience vote in the Parliament for the Marriage Equality Bill.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Letters 2 MP's about Gay Rights
The Sex Discrimination Act.
Section 3 (b) "to eliminate, so far as is possible, discrimination against persons on the ground of sex*, martial status*, pregnancy or potential pregnancy in the areas of work, accommodation, education, the provision of goods, facilities and services, the disposal of land, the activities of clubs and the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs;"
* "Sex" in section 3 (b) needs to be changed to "Sex, Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity."
* "Martial Status" in section 3 (b) should be amended to include Same-Sex Couples.
This failure to protect individuals from discrimination is incompatible with Australia's obligations under both Articles 2 and 26 of the ICCPR, which require States parties to ensure that all people can enjoy their ICCPR rights without discrimination.
As your aware the Greens MP moved a motion to allow all MP's, to gauge there local communities views on Same-Sex marriage. However I hope this can also, be about awareness and explaining the facts, not the myths most people think of. The Equality Action Group NSW, has a growing number of members ALL wanting Equality for ALL Australians.
Fact 1) "All persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal protection of the law. In this respect, the law shall prohibit any discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any grounds...."
Article 26, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Fact 2) Since 2007 opinion poll after opinion poll, have shown that over 60% of Australians, want Equality for Same-Sex couples. Recently over 70% said, they want both party's to allow a conscience on the Marriage Equality Bill.
Fact 3) The Human Rights Law Resource Centre, has made over 3 submissions to the Government since 2007, explaining the legal requirements Australia has, in regards to providing Equal Rights to ALL Australians. This failure to protect individuals from discrimination is incompatible with Australia's obligations under both Articles 2 and 26 of the ICCPR, which require States parties to ensure that all people can enjoy their ICCPR rights without discrimination.
Fact 4) Countries including; Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Spain, South Africa, Mexico and many US states now recognise Same-Sex marriages. There has been NO negative effects, the sky hasn't fallen in there and we know it wont here in Australia.
It's about fair treatment and Equal Human Rights before the laws of the land, I don't believe it's right, for people to disagree with Same-Sex marriage, on the basis of there fear (homophobia) or lack of understanding. It's the job of all MP's to ease peoples fears (homophobia), and start creating a level of understanding. I believe this exercise of engaging the people of Australia, is a great way of showing the community it's OK to talk about these issues.
Equality Action Group NSW
Section 3 (b) "to eliminate, so far as is possible, discrimination against persons on the ground of sex*, martial status*, pregnancy or potential pregnancy in the areas of work, accommodation, education, the provision of goods, facilities and services, the disposal of land, the activities of clubs and the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs;"
* "Sex" in section 3 (b) needs to be changed to "Sex, Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity."
* "Martial Status" in section 3 (b) should be amended to include Same-Sex Couples.
This failure to protect individuals from discrimination is incompatible with Australia's obligations under both Articles 2 and 26 of the ICCPR, which require States parties to ensure that all people can enjoy their ICCPR rights without discrimination.
As your aware the Greens MP moved a motion to allow all MP's, to gauge there local communities views on Same-Sex marriage. However I hope this can also, be about awareness and explaining the facts, not the myths most people think of. The Equality Action Group NSW, has a growing number of members ALL wanting Equality for ALL Australians.
Fact 1) "All persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal protection of the law. In this respect, the law shall prohibit any discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any grounds...."
Article 26, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Fact 2) Since 2007 opinion poll after opinion poll, have shown that over 60% of Australians, want Equality for Same-Sex couples. Recently over 70% said, they want both party's to allow a conscience on the Marriage Equality Bill.
Fact 3) The Human Rights Law Resource Centre, has made over 3 submissions to the Government since 2007, explaining the legal requirements Australia has, in regards to providing Equal Rights to ALL Australians. This failure to protect individuals from discrimination is incompatible with Australia's obligations under both Articles 2 and 26 of the ICCPR, which require States parties to ensure that all people can enjoy their ICCPR rights without discrimination.
Fact 4) Countries including; Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Spain, South Africa, Mexico and many US states now recognise Same-Sex marriages. There has been NO negative effects, the sky hasn't fallen in there and we know it wont here in Australia.
It's about fair treatment and Equal Human Rights before the laws of the land, I don't believe it's right, for people to disagree with Same-Sex marriage, on the basis of there fear (homophobia) or lack of understanding. It's the job of all MP's to ease peoples fears (homophobia), and start creating a level of understanding. I believe this exercise of engaging the people of Australia, is a great way of showing the community it's OK to talk about these issues.
Equality Action Group NSW
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