The bill is designed to create equality for gay and lesbian couples in the areas of social security, veterans affairs, medicare, tax and educational assistance.

Earlier this year the government tabled laws addressing inequalities in superannuation.

Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the legislation is "historic"

"This bill amends some 68 Commonwealth laws which involve 19 Government departments." he said.

"It will not only remove discrimination against same-sex couples, they also remove discrimination against their families and most specifically their children."

The opposition has raised objections to the bill, claiming that some of the changes legitimise polygamy.

The bill allows for recognition of a de facto couple even when one of the partners is separated but still legally married.

Victorian Liberal MP Sophie Mirabella, said, "Not only is the Labor Party legalising polygamy, but it's changing the law so that the third person in an extramarital relationship can effectively claim the assets of a marriage or of the long-term de facto relationship," she said.

Gay rights activist Rodney Croome criticised the opposition for "an ideological attack" on de facto couples.

"This is an ideological attack on the rights and protections all de facto couples have enjoyed for more than a generation in both state and federal law," said Croome.

"It's a fact of life that in some de facto relationships one partner may still be married, at least on paper, and that unless such de facto relationships have some legislative protection the unmarried partner is legally and financial vulnerable, especially if their de facto relationship breaks down.

"The Government's initiative is about giving equal protection to de facto partners no matter what their personal circumstances, and we strongly urge both the Government and the Senate not to cave in to the Opposition's prejudices." 

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Title
Comment	smaller | bigger
Name
Email
Website
Write the displayed characters
Subscribe via email (Registered users only) I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.
	Add Comment