Australia Talks

The federal government says it will remove laws that discriminate against same-sex couples financially and in the workplace, but it won't consider gay marriage, even forcing a backdown from the ACT government on its civil union push. Is financial reform the end of the equality debate?

Last week the Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland announced that a range of Commonwealth laws will be changed to remove same-sex discrimination. The announcement followed on from the report of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (Same-sex: Same entitlements) that looked at financial and workplace discrimination. And while the reforms have been welcomed by many in the gay and lesbian community, there are some lingering questions over the question of gay marriage...or indeed even civil unions. As the ACT government was poised to introduce legislation the federal government used its power to force a backdown.

Is financial equality enough to redress discrimination against same sex couples? Should the Federal government allow state and territory governments the freedom to introduce their own laws on gay marriage and civil unions?

Guests

Rodney Croome
Australian Coalition for Equality

Professor Carol Johnson
School of Politics
University of Adelaide

Graeme Innes
Commissioner
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissioner

Bishop Rob Forsyth
Anglican Bishop of South Sydney

Further Information

For a link for more information about the Australian Coalition for Equality

For a link to Rodney Croome's webpage

For a link to an opinion piece published in The Age by Rodney Croome

For a link to more information about Professor Carol Johnson

For a link to information about the HREOC Inquiry into Same Sex entitlements

For a link to Media Releases by the Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland

For a link to more information about Bishop Rob Forsyth

Presenter

Paul Barclay

Story Researcher and Producer

Jane Shields