Australia has been criticised by a number of UN nations for it’s lack of progress towards legalising same-sex marriage. During Australia’s United Nations Human Rights Universal Periodic review, countries including Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Iceland put pressure on Australia, asking why they have not yet legalised same-sex marriage. The human rights records of each member state of the UN is reviewed every four years, the process is that of a peer review and recommendations are made by individual governments of other states. During the review, Sweden noted in it’s advance questions that Australia not only outlaws same-sex marriage but fails to recognise any legal marriages performed overseas. The member state put forward the questions: “What steps is the Australian Government taking towards amending the federal Marriage Act in order to allow same-sex couples to marry?” and “Will the Australian Government provide full recognition of same-sex marriages from overseas?” Ireland, who’s same-sex marriage bill was signed into law this week, encouraged Australia to legalise same-sex marriage. Delegates from The Netherlands raised the issue of gender biased marriage laws and advocated on behalf of gender diversities asking: “Is Australia willing to revise the Marriage Act 1961 in such a way that equality is ensured and that same-sex couples and people with diverse sex and genders will be granted access to the civil institution of marriage?” The Australian government has said that following the next elections it plans to hold a non-legally binding vote on the issue and following this lawmakers will be given a free vote.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 13th November 2015 - 1:06pm