Civil Unions a feel good deception

Introduction of the Civil Union Bill is a dubious feel good measure says Greg Fleming, Maxim Institute, Managing Director.

The explanatory note to the Bill states that it will address the situation in which same-sex couples cannot receive legal recognition of their loving and committed relationship.

"We must be clear that the sole purpose of this Bill is to provide for same-sex marriage in all but name. Government propaganda suggesting Civil Unions are an alternative for defacto couples is just a farce. "

"But why does the state have an interest in recognising any relationship?"

"Marriage has preferred status and rights in law because of its public benefits. Surely if we are going to treat all relationships the same as marriage then the burden of proof is on proponents of civil unions to show how they match the benefits."

The argument of removing discrimination is flawed and deceptive says Fleming.

"Human rights apply to individuals. But the law rightly differentiates between different relationships. There is a big difference."

"If the government was really interested in removing discrimination then it should amend the Marriage Act. Either this is just a pragmatic and temporary compromise or it doesn't believe its own spin."

Furthermore, why is the government allowing discrimination to continue by refusing to legally recognise other relationship forms such as the union of siblings or more than two people?

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