Labor endorses state relationship registries

At its national conference, April 27-29, the ALP revised its policy on same-sex relationship recognition, supporting state-based registries for same-sex relationships modeled on the registry scheme in Tasmania. The conference also endorsed legislation to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sexuality and/or gender identity.

The motion explicitly rejects same-sex marriage and civil unions. It says that the ALP will "not create schemes that mimic marriage or undermine existing laws that define marriage as being between a man and a woman". This not only rules out marriage, but also legislation that allows for official ceremonies, such as the ACT's Civil Partnership Bill.

The policy excludes a national registry scheme. It leaves same-sex relationship recognition up to the discretion of the states. The Victorian state government had already announced plans on April 24 to introduce a Tasmanian-style scheme. However, New South Wales attorney-general John Hatzistergos told Labor delegates that such a scheme would not be introduced in NSW.

"Pressure from the grassroots is what has forced Labor to change its policy", Community Action Against Homophobia (CAAH) Sydney co-convenor Shelly Dahl told Green Left Weekly. "But since this policy stops short of legalising our right to marry we need to keep up the pressure."

CAAH is helping organise a national day of action for same-sex marriage on August 11.

From GLW issue 708