The Australian government says it will begin introducing legislation next month to end discrimination against same-sex couples. The changes won't apply to the marriage act, but will remove same-sex discrimination in 100 Commonwealth laws, reports Radio Australia. The attorney-general, Robert McClelland, says the changes will also mean children of same-sex couples will be regarded the same as any others in terms of superannuation, workers compensation and other entitlements. "And I think that's probably one of the most significant outcomes of the reforms," he said. The Human Rights commissioner, Graeme Innes, has welcomed the move and says all children deserve to be protected. "Sadly our system in Australia hasn't been doing that for children of same-sex couples but these measures will alter that," he said. The government wants to usher in the changes by the middle of next year. Australian Coalition for Equality spokesperson Rodney Croome welcomed the changes, telling the AAP they were "long overdue". However, Croome says he's also deeply disappointed that the Government is not prepared to accept equality in marriage. "But I look forward to same-sex de facto law reform rekindling the debate on why full legal and social equality is needed".
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 30th April 2008 - 11:24am