|
Campaigners target employers as government dithers over law reforms
The Rudd government is blaming economics for a possible delay in law reform to give same-sex couples the same financial entitlements as those in heterosexual relationships.
According to The Australian, the government remains undecided about whether to include the reforms in the May budget even though the cost of removing discriminatory legislation against same-sex couples is substantially less than the $1 billion projected by the Howard government. The current forecast stands at up to $400 million.
Although senior government insiders report the delay was not driven by cost savings, Human Rights Commissioner Graeme Innes told The Australian:
“The issue here is a basic right and that is the right to equality, and we don’t judge those in financial terms. The budget is the absolutely right time to send that message that couples shouldn’t be treated differently because of who they love.”
A spokesperson for the federal Attorney-General told SX: “We are not going to speculate on what may or may not be in the federal budget.”
Meanwhile employers are being urged to grant full recognition to the same-sex marriages of their employees and customers. Lobby group Australian Marriage Equality (AME) began contacting businesses in January, inviting employers to publicly affirm their support.
The list of organisations currently includes the Commonwealth Bank, IBM, Air Canada, Qantas, Seek Limited, and Wood and Stone Pizza Restaurants. Others will be added on AME’s website www.australianmarriageequality.com/employers.htm.
AME national secretary Alex Greenwich told SX that the response so far has been favourable. “No-one has said ‘no’ yet. There are a lot of organisations that have agreed in principle with us, but they’re still getting back to us. In Australia, many companies also have an existing policy – as is the case with Qantas and Air Canada. This is a good opportunity to highlight that.”
Greenwich said that supporting GLBT marriage rights, rather than just recognising de facto or domestic partnerships, sends out an affirmative message about the employer’s dedication to equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace. “As a member of the GLBT community, I’d like to know that the people I spend my money with support me,” he said.
AME hopes this initiative will encourage the Australian federal and state governments to follow suit. “If high-level decision-makers and large organisations are prepared to recognise [same-sex marriages], the government should see this as a form of encouragement for them to recognise it,” said Greenwich.
Employers cannot be prevented from recognising same-sex marriages, even after the 2004 amendment of the Marriage Act 1961. Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia, Hon Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC, claimed in 2006, “There is nothing to stop a private employer permitting your husband to be described as your spouse on its documentation.”
Greenwich said that corporations cannot afford to discriminate because of both anti-discrimination laws and the skills shortage in Australia. “Companies are willing to attract employees from overseas. If those employees are in a same-sex marriage, they’re going to want that recognition in their new role,” Greenwich told SX. “It’s seen as a drawcard for these organisations.”
What do you think about the possible delay in law reform? Have your say at
eevolution.com.au.
 |
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form
