"These measures are long overdue and will make a positive benefit to the lives of thousands of Australians. Children of same-sex couples will be regarded the same as any other children in terms of a range of entitlements," Ms Pennicuik said.

"Unfortunately, the anti-discriminatory provisions do not extend to equal access to marriage, adoption or IVF for same-sex couples.

"The government says that marriage is defined as between a man and a woman so it won't amend the marriage act. If we want marriage to be a non-discriminatory, inclusive institution, then we can make it so. If we do not do that, and do not remove barriers to same-sex adoption and IVF, then we are not fair dinkum about equality," she said.

"Defenders of the current definition of marriage say that marriage must be exclusive to a man and a woman and is necessary for the raising of children. This does not reflect reality. Many people marry with no intention of having children. Many children grow up in stable and loving families with same-sex or opposite sex partners who are not married, and sadly there are children who are neglected and abused in families where their parents are married."

"The intervention by the Commonwealth into the ACT bill on civil unions forcing the removal of the ceremonial aspect is a most unfortunate re-run of the same intervention by the former Howard Government".
 
"It is well beyond the time that all remnants of discrimination in our laws and practices are removed once and for all," Ms Pennicuik said.


For further information:  Sue Pennicuik   0407 000 270