Australian Greens Co-sponsor Same Sex Bill

Greens Co-sponsor Same Sex Bill

The Greens are delighted to co-sponsor a private members Bill to remove discrimination towards people in same sex unions, in response to Labor's disappointing lack of action, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

Last night, the Statutes Amendment (Relationships) Bill, virtually identical to the one introduced by the Government prior to the last
State election, was introduced into the State's Upper House through the joint sponsorship of Mark Parnell, Michele Lensink (Liberal) and Sandra Kanck (Democrats).

"Basically, we got sick of waiting for the Government to act. They said they would reintroduce it and they haven't. There is no way they can ignore it again now.

"This Bill is hardly revolutionary - it's about basic equality and justice, and fair treatment for all South Australians.

"We used to be Australia's leader in law reform, now we have the embarrassment of being the last state in Australia to remove basic discrimination against people in same sex relationships.

"While we are happy to sponsor this good first step in the right direction, the Greens want much more substantial change in other obvious areas of discrimination, including legalisation of marriage and full parental rights regardless of sexuality, and equal access for LGBTI* people to adoptions, fostering, and IVF.

"Labor has betrayed the gay and lesbian community. Let's hope the introduction of this Bill will force the Government to keep their promises," he said.

*Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex

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