Jon Edwards, Canberra

On February 4, Greens senator Kerry Nettle expressed concern at comments made by federal ALP leader Mark Latham that rule out a future Labor government's support for gay marriage.

At the time he was elected as ALP parliamentary leader, Latham said that he did not distinguish between relationships on “religious grounds”. “Whether it's a same-sex or different-sex relationship, I don't draw a distinction”, he said.

However, Latham's right-wing faction scuttled a motion at last month's ALP national conference calling on the Labor Party to develop a scheme enabling the recognition of same-sex relationships.

“In trying to out `Howard' PM John Howard, Latham appears to be willing to flirt with prejudice against the gay and lesbian community”, Nettle said.

“The Greens support those same sex couples, who wish to get married, having the same opportunity as anyone else to do so. ``There should be no discrimination in the financial and legal entitlements that accrue to couples whether they are married or in de facto relationships, or whether they are gay or straight.

“Latham has spoken of the importance of leadership in building community values, but he has failed in this instance to show leadership in dispelling discriminatory views regarding the lesbian and gay community.

“The Labor Party has consistently ducked this issue, choosing to hide behind a dubious legal claim that same-sex marriages could be ruled unconstitutional...

“Australia should be following the lead of countries like Canada, Holland, France and Germany in extending the same rights to same sex couples as heterosexual couples, including the right to get married. The Greens will continue to espouse a progressive stance on this and other issues of discrimination, and speak out against the prejudice in community.”

From Green Left Weekly, February 11, 2004.
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