The gloves are coming off
We speak with the NSW Gay And Lesbian Rights Lobby's young co-convenors as they prepare to fight the latest round for gay rights
Johnson and Grey are the next generation of freedom fighters
While our Mardi Gras brings in millions of dollars in revenue into the NSW economy every year, the government says thank you by denying Sydney's gay and lesbian community equality through over 100 pieces of discriminatory legislation.
At just 22 and 29 years of age respectively, Peter Johnson and Emily Gray are young guns fighting for equality with the NSW Gay And Lesbian Rights Lobby. Here, they walk us through significant areas of the 58/08 campaign .
Inside the 58/08 Campaign
Fact Same Sex couples and their children are currently discriminated in over 100 areas of the law in areas such as taxation, migration, veterans' entitlements, superannuation and access to the Medicare Safety Net.
Fact Last year the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission released a report which found 58 pieces of federal legislation that financially discriminated against same-sex couples and their children.The G&L Right Lobby's spearheaded their 58/08 campaign demanding reforms in all these areas.
Fact The Rudd Government has recently announced that it will introduce a series of reforms in June that will see discrimination against same-sex couples and their children removed in over 100 areas of the law.
Here are some of the most significant areas of discrimination.
Superannuation
Currently the surviving same-sex partner is not considered to be a spouse and as such has significantly fewer rights when it comes to accessing their deceased partner's super benefits. This is one of the first areas in which the government will remove discrimination.
Taxation
At present same-sex couples do not have equal access to financial benefits such as dependent tax offsets for children and spouses, the senior Australians' tax rebate, child care tax rebate and the baby bonus.- despite paying the same levels of tax as other couples.
Health Care Costs
Medicare and PBS legislation also fails to recognise same-sex families, requiring lesbians and gay men to pay up to double the amount of heterosexual couples to access the Medicare and PBS Safety Nets.
Veterans' Entitlements
Despite having served our country at war, lesbian and gay veterans have been unable to transfer their pension to their partner in the event of their death. A bitter pill to swallow for the men and women who have put their life on the line for Australia, and for their families.
Migration
The current visa application process for same-sex couples falls under the definition of "interdependent relationship", which is routinely longer, more arduous and more expensive than that for heterosexual couples.
Family Law
One area of federal law that may not be included in the upcoming reforms is family law. This isn't about changing the nature of families. It is about recognising over 4,000 children who-currently have same-sex parents in Australia.
Gray tells us support has been coming from inside and outside of the community "What I've been really impressed with in the 58 /08 campaign is the number of heterosexual people who have spoken out against discrimination,"she says.
"I believe it's important for all lesbian and gay Australians to stand up and fight for equal rights and put an end to homophobia. It's about saying that everyone in our community should be treated equally, regardless of sexuality, gender, race or ability," adds Johnson.
For extensive information on equality for all go to the Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby