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South Australia gets gay equality |
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This week, after two failed legislative attempts, South Australia finally caught up with the rest of Australia’s states and territories by passing a Domestic Partnership bill in state parliament enabling South Australia’s same-sex couples many of the same rights as heterosexual couples.
The historic bill passed in the Upper House on Thursday afternoon, after 16 members voted for the bill, and only 3 against (the two members of Family First and a single Liberal, Terry Stephens, passing the bill at 4.38pm amid cheers from MPs present.
Openly gay Labor Upper House member Ian Hunter expressed his frustration during parliamentary debate during the week over his own personal situation where despite being in a relationship for 15 years, he and his partner were still being denied couples’ rights.
“We have grown accustomed to being in a second class relationship where we have no legal rights,” Hunter said. “This bill is a step in the right direction – a big, bold step – but by no means the last.”
Both Mr Hunter and members of South Australia’s lobby for the rights of same-sex couples, Let’s Get Equal, were relieved at the Bill’s passing, but adamant, it was only the beginning of the journey toward full equality.
“Of course, there are still areas of law where we aren’t equal - for example, with regard to adoption rights and reproductive rights. But it’s a start,” the lobby announced on their website.
Following the passing of the Bill, all that remains is for the Governor to sign the legislation for it to become law, which activists are confident will take place before the end of the year. Source: uk.gay.com |
