Ruddock should end same-sex discrimination now

"CCL welcomes HREOC's Same-sex: Same Entitlements report", said NSWCCL Vice President, Mr David Bernie.

“CCL congratulates HREOC on its thorough report on the discrimination that same-sex couples and families face in Australia.

“Equality is a fundamental human right. All Australians are equal – no matter who they love. Discrimination against gays and lesbians in Australia is unacceptable.

“This report has found that 58 federal laws discriminate against same-sex couples. CCL also notes that the United Nations Human Rights Committee has called for the repeal of these discriminatory laws.

“CCL notes that Attorney-General Philip Ruddock says that the ‘Australian Government is not in favour of discrimination’. CCL looks forward to working with the Attorney-General to ensure that discrimination against gay and lesbian Australians is eliminated from federal law.

“This is a chance for the Attorney-General to demonstrate that he is right when he says that Australia does not need a Bill of Rights to guarantee human rights and anti-discrimination in Australia. CCL will watch the government’s response with interest.

“CCL is, however, disappointed that HREOC chose to downplay the issue that many people at the community consultations were concerned about: same-sex marriage. This is an issue of equality and HREOC should play a leading role in this debate.

“CCL believes that all Australians should be able to marry the adult partner of their choice, regardless of gender. CCL supports recent changes in Canada, South Africa, Spain, Holland, Belgium and Massachusetts, where same-sex marriage is recognised in law.

“The time to end discrimination against gay and lesbian Australians is long overdue. CCL welcomes this report.”