Anger over McClelland's gay ceremony stance

This media release was issued by the Australian Coalition for Equality on 7.2.08.

Gay rights advocates have demanded Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, explain why same-sex couples in the ACT should not be allowed to officially solemnise their unions.

Responding to the Stanhope Government's renewed commitment to its civil partnership law, Mr McClelland yesterday said the ceremonial aspects of the ACT model are "inappropriate".

"Mr McClelland is effectively saying that while loving, committed same-sex partners can have legal entitlements, they're not worthy of the official, public recognition available to heterosexual couples", Mr Croome said.

"By declaring public recognition off limits the Federal Government is building same-sex couples a new legal closet."

Mr Croome said the Tasmanian registry model preferred by Mr McClelland works well in Tasmania, but added it was "anti-federalist" to expect all the states and territories to follow exactly the same path.

"Consistency between the states is a fine ideal, but consistency doesn't have to mean conformity."

"The people of the ACT should be free to enact their own laws, just as the people of Tasmania did when their registry was created."

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.

For details of Mr McClelland's statement visit www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23173366-1702,00.html