 Protesters (from left) Alex
Greenwich, John Kloppgrogge, Demetra Giannakopoulos, a staff member from Dr
Nelson's office, Rodney Croome.
By Iain Clacher
A group of drenched gay activists marched
through a Canberra downpour on Tuesday to urge Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson
not to sink same-sex superannuation reform in a senate inquiry.
The activists urged Nelson to pass the
government’s reform bill before parliament rises for the winter recess on June
26.
The reform bill is designed to ensure
reversionary pensions (those paid to a nominated recipient after the death of
the original recipient) under Commonwealth superannuation funds are available
to same-sex couples.
Activists Demetra Giannakopoulos from the
Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, Rodney Croome from the Australian
Coalition for Equality, Peter Furness from Australians for Marriage Equality,
John Klopprogge from Civil Union Action and Alex Greenwich from the Australian
Coalition for Equality made the sodden 600 meter trek from Old Parliament House
to New Parliament House, where they delivered their request in a letter to Nelson’s
office.
“We got quite wet by the end of it, but
it’s a small price to pay after the many years activists have been pushing for
these changes,” Giannakopoulos told Evolution
Online.
“The
opposition has indicated it is in full support of removing discrimination. However, it is seeking to delay the bill’s introduction
by referring it to a senate committee, in particular so they can address
whether or not the bill should include interdependents. This could include two
elderly sisters living together who may be dependent on one another.
“We’re not opposed to the bill going to a senate
committee, but there is an option that the Opposition suggests the bill goes to
the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee on June 20, where it could be
examined before June 23, and passed by June 26 when parliament rises,” Giannakopoulos
said.
“We are not opposed to the Opposition
taking up the cause of interdependent, but that should be separate from
ensuring same-sex couples are treated the same as de facto opposite-sex
couples.”
She said the activists had urged the
opposition to listen to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and
recognise same-sex couples as equal to de facto opposite-sex couples, rather
than as interdependents.
“To date, the only way same-sex couples
have been able to access equal rights federally is to be included in the
interdependent category, which is not only more onerous to prove but also
offensive.
“Why should we be demeaned by being treated
differently to opposite-sex couples?”
Giannakopoulos said the Coalition had
already delayed the reform while in government and the effect of the delay was
critical for the people it was designed to assist.
“The bill is long overdue. The Howard Government
said it would remove the discrimination in 2004. Last year, the Howard
Government had the opportunity to address this situation and it chose not to.
And here we are, the legislation has been introduced and the Opposition wants
to delay it.
“What’s concerning is that these laws
affect older Australians who are encouraged to rely on superannuation, and
nothing could be more import than ensuring the income stream for older Australians.”
Giannakopoulos urged LGBTs and their
supporters to contact their local Liberal MPs to let them know that the reform
was urgent.
“Pick up the phone and call your MP. It’s that easy.”
For contact details for your federal MP go here
Don't know what electorate you live in or who your MP is? Search here
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