Thursday, November 18, 2010



A small victory for equality in Australia

Today, the Australian Parliament passed a motion on same-sex marriage. Not to allow it, sadly, but simply to encourage MPs

consistent with their duties as representatives, to gauge their constituents’ views on ways to achieve equal treatment for same sex couples including marriage.
Its the smallest of victories. But given the ALP leadership's opposition to any discussion of the subject, getting them to vote for it was at least something. And hopefully it will pave the way for bigger things to come.

Meanwhile, it again raises the question: where is New Zealand on this issue? While we passed civil unions five years ago, there hasn't been any movement since. And as a result, there's a real chance that we'll be beaten by Australia on abolishing this fundamental form of discrimination.