Equality bulletin #67

This Equality Bulletin was issued by the TGLRG on 6.7.07.

Hi Everyone,

This Equality Bulletin has three action alerts, two related to the recently-released Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission report into same-sex couple entitlements, and one about the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s report on parenting and fertility law reform.

At the end there’s a link to photos from this year’s Queens Ball in Hobart.

Rodney Croome
0409 010 668

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Same-sex, same entitlements
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The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has released the final report of its inquiry into the financial and workplace entitlements of same-sex couples.

For a copy of the report visit

www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/samesex/report/index.html

For details of when the report will be launched in your city visit

www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/samesex/report/media/launch_info.html

Two actions are underway supporting the inquiry.

One is an on-line petition from political action group Get Up!

To sign the Get Up petition visit

www.getup.org.au/campaign/EqualBeforeTheLaw&id=29

The other is a newspaper advertisement supporting equality, paid for by contributions from the family and friend members of same-sex partners.

To find out more about the ad or contribute to its publication, contact the national spokesperson of Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians, Shelley Argent, on 0409-363-335 or at pflagbris@hotmail.com

To view a draft version (which has now been amended to address Kevin Rudd as well as John Howard) visit

www.movingforward.org.au

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Parenting law reform in Victoria
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The Victorian Law Reform Commission has recommended reform of the state’s parenting and fertility laws to ensure same-sex couples and their families have equal legal rights and protections.

For the recommendations visit

www.rainbowfamilies.org.au/pages/campaigns/final-vlrc-recomendations.php

and for the final report visit

www.lawreform.vic.gov.au/CA256902000FE154/Lookup/Assisted_Reproductive_Technology_and_Adoption/$file/ART%20&%20Adoption%20Summary%20FINAL.pdf

The Victorian Government has asked for comment on the report but has received very few letters supporting reform.

For a model letter, and who to send it to visit

www.rainbowfamilies.org.au/pages/campaigns/sample-letters-to-the-attorney-general.php

The Government will receive comments until Friday July 13.

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Hobart Queens Ball photos
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This year’s Queens Ball in Hobart was as much fun as ever. For photos visit

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/dwillansphoto