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 Lupton to introduce legislation to state parliament this week
Less than two weeks after the Federal election, the push for formal relationships recognition has escalated.
On Monday, Tony Lupton (pictured), Labor member for the seat of Prahran, announced the introduction to State Parliament of new legislation designed to create a statewide same-sex relationships register in Victoria.
In a media statement released on Monday, Mr Lupton (who chaired the working group on relationship recognition that recently reported to State Government) said that the register will be similar to the Tasmanian model, and will ensure that ‘all [Victorian] same-sex and heterosexual couples have access to existing entitlements without the rigmarole currently involved in proving they are in a committed relationship.’
“This will make it much smoother and simpler for same-sex couples to prove they are in a committed relationship,” Mr Lupton told MCV on Tuesday.
“It means they won’t have to show things like bills where both names appear, or other financial documents, when they are trying to attain access to certain rights; all they will need is their certificate of registration. This also sends a very important message to the broader community that all relationships are equal,” he said.
Mr Lupton intended to introduce the Bill to the House on Tuesday, saying that, “In terms of a timeline, if all goes to plan I would expect same-sex couples to be able to register by mid to late February.”
Stephen Jones, spokesperson for the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (VGLRL) said that while the lobby was happy with the new legislation, they are still eager to see the introduction of civil unions and marriage.
“The relationships register is more about recognition. It is an important step towards marriage, but it is really nothing more than symbolic,” Mr Jones explained.
“Basically you will be able to go to the registry office, just like married couples do, and register. We are pleased the government has maintained the promises made by former Premier Steve Bracks, which was to introduce a relationships register by end of year, but we want to see a finalised version of the Bill.”
Mr Jones added that the number of same-sex couples who register their relationships could create an impetus towards the introduction of civil unions.
“There is anecdotal evidence that shows that if you can see how many couples are registering their relationships, and prove that people are actually taking up this option, then it could be a step towards recognising that something more, like civil unions, is wanted.”
Meanwhile, the ACT Attorney-General, Simon Corbell, is planning to reintroduce a Civil Partnerships Bill, which will give legal recognition to unions between same-sex couples. The plan was blocked by the Howard Government last year; however, the new Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, says Labor is unlikely to oppose the proposal.
The new Federal Opposition leader Brendan Nelson has also backed equal legal rights for same-sex couples.
“I don’t support gay marriage, adoption or IVF, but I believe in addressing the social and economic injustices affecting homosexuals,” Mr Nelson told the Sunday Herald Sun this week.
(Photo courtesy: tonylupton.com)
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