Isn't it sad that the only reason politicans like Joe Hockey and Brendan Nelson are only interested in reform to the laws discriminating against homosexuals because they want to secure the gay vote in their electorate. I understand that they have to be conscious of securing as many votes as possible in order to stay in power, yet I feel that in this context politicians should be pushing for reform on the basis that these laws boil down to blatant discriminiation!
"Ministers were also concerned at the expense of reforms, which would cost taxpayers millions of dollars in extra social security payments." Are you serious?! Oh, let's continue to disciminate against gay couples because it'll cost too much to treat them as equals! Being a gay couple doesn't make you an less Australian than a heterosexual couple and all Australians deserve the economic protection of the government.
Recently, singer Darren Hayes has come out (excuse the pun) against the Howard government because on a recent trip to Australia his new husband had to come here on a tourist visa and not a spousal visa. Hayes' husband wasn't recognised as such, just because they are homosexual. It's frustrating that in the 21st century, when science and other revolutionary forms of thinking have been allowed to lead to so many fantastic developments and yet so many people in power are still determined not persecute gays! Being a gay couple in Australia equates to not being officially recognised as such and being forced to pay at least double that of hetero couples to recieve the same benefits on schemes such as the PBS. Why?
I'd really like to know what people think about this highly contentious issue, so feel free to write a comment with any thoughts/feelings/feedback/etc.
The article that inspired this posting can be viewed at:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22292944-2,00.html?from=mostpop
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2 comments:
I can understand the reasons politicians may try to secure votes in their electorates by - I don't think its exclusive to the gay community, but yes I definitely agree its blatant discrimination.
However, I think it may have to do with the US..we follow their trends and although there are some states that allow gay marriages, on the whole the gov't is not receptive or accepting. I think that once the US gov't jumps on board - Australia will be right there with them.
Even if you look at how homosexuals are represented in the media - its still not an accurate representation and once that is balanced with a more realistic depiction, this may influence more public opinion and political views into being respected as an equal.
It sounds better when you say it! Haha!
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