Letter to the editor - The Warrnambool Standard

16/04/2008

In ‘opposing the bill and everything it represents’ (No-Gay Zone, 10/14/2008) David Koch MLC undermines the Australian right to a fair go.

For too long Australia has had laws that diminished the lives of gay men and lesbians.

The Victorian relationships register for same-sex couples is a critical step in reducing discrimination in practice because it will provide same-sex couples the legal recognition they need to access their entitlements including property, superannuation and insurance.

Mr Koch seeks to deny same sex couples access to basic entitlements that heterosexual couples take for granted.

Not only is this out of step with community expectations that increasingly accept same sex relationships but it is against the principles enshrined in the Victoria Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and the Equal Opportunity Act. “Equal recognition before the law” is a fundamental right that Mr Koch enjoys along with everyone else.

Homophobia and discrimination are contrary to the spirit of a fair go for all and have no place in our society.

While the Victoria has progressed on this issue, the Federal Government in now in the process of dismantling discriminatory Commonwealth laws. There are still over 100 discriminatory laws - laws that mean that gay and lesbian couples across Australia still have to contend with partial social acceptance and limited legal protection. So while the reality is that same-sex couples are more equal today, they are far from being equal enough.

Dr Helen Szoke
Chief Conciliator/Chief Executive Officer
Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission