NSW Relationship Register
May 13th 2010 07:11
NSW Relationship Register Passes
As Wayne Swan laid out his Federal Budget on Tuesday night, NSW Lower House politicians debated the recently introduced NSW Relationship Register, which provides same sex couples and non married hetrosexual De Facto's with state recognition, as their relationships will be registered with the Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
The vote was 62 votes to 9 in favour of the Bill. Barry O'Farrell, current oppposition leader was one of the 62 who voted to pass the bill. Current Premier Kristina Kennelly - along with 20 other members of the lower house - was Missing in Action on the night.
While this is a great step forward for legal recognition of same sex couples, it still falls short of complete equality under the law, and has no affect on the Marriage Act which is Federal Legislation.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has previously dismissed any move on the Federal Goverment introducing similiar Federal legislation.
The Bill is to be debated today in the Upper House, where it has the backing of the Greens. It is believed the legislation will pass today.
One of those who spoke against the bill was Shadow Attorney General, Greg Smith, who if the Liberals gain power in the next State election will be the states top law maker. Smith's comments, equating those who support the tradition view of marriage and the family, with the occupants of strife-torn Derry during the troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1960s and 1970s" is an indication of just how far NSW and the rest of Australia has to go before equality will finally be for all.
One step forward, but many more yet to go. On Saturday May 15, 2010 there will be a rally supporting Same Sex Marriage at the steps of Town Hall in Sydney. For further information check out their Facebook Events Page .
| 225 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
