Queensland Federal Liberal MP Warren Entsch has presented Prime Minister John Howard with a petition signed by 25,000 people which calls for an end to discrimination against same-sex couples. The petition, organised by activist group Get Up!, and addressed to Howard and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd reads: "Same-sex couples should have the same legal rights as de facto heterosexual couples. "I call upon you to make this first step towards equality by immediately legislating to end discrimination against same-sex couples.'' Entsch said the response to the petition showed there was strong support in the community for an end to discrimination against same-sex couples. "It shows that support for removal of financial and legal discrimination is very significant and I'll be taking to the PM,'' he said. A report by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission released in June found same-sex couples are denied basic financial entitlements, tax concessions and superannuation benefits available to other couples. Entsch said he was hopeful Howard could be persuaded to implement the recommendations in the report. "He already says he doesn't support discrimination and the HREOC report shows there's a way forward,'' Entsch said. Ref: News.com.au (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 9th August 2007 - 10:33am