Telstra quizzed on same-sex marriages / registries

This LGBT media statement, from the TGLRG, Australian Coalition for Equality and Australian Marriage Equality, was issued on 18.9.07.

Three gay rights groups have written to Telstra CEO, Sol Trujillo, seeking clarification on the company's new relationship policy.

In the wake of last week's revelations that Telstra recognises same-sex de facto couples for the purpose of company entitlements, Australian Marriage Equality, the Australian Coalition for Equality and the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group have asked Telstra if it also recognises overseas same-sex marriages and civil unions, and Australian registered relationships.

AME co-convenor, Sharon Dane, said that Telstra should follow QANTAS's lead and recognise overseas same-sex marriages and civil unions.

"Those Australians who are in overseas same-sex marriages or civil unions deserve to have these relationships respected and treated equally wherever possible", Ms Dane said.

"Icon companies like QANTAS and Telstra have an important role to play in setting a benchmark for equal and fair treatment."

TGLRG spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that partners in registered relationships also deserve to have their legal status respected.

"A couple that chooses to formalise their relationship should have this choice respected rather than be automatically treated as de factos", Mr Croome said.

"Equal recognition of registered relationships will become an increasingly pressing issue as Victoria, and then other states, follow Tasmania's lead by establishing relationship registries.

ACE spokesperson, Rod Swift, congratulated Telstra on its initiative, saying that recognition of de facto couples is essential across government and the private sector, but added that no one type of legal relationship should be given priority.

"Our aim should not simply be to allow same-sex couples relationship rights, but to provide them with choice as to how they access and guarantee these rights", Mr Swift said.

"By enshrining choice as a key principle in relationship reform, Telstra can lead by example."

For more on Telstra's new relationships policy visit http://www.ssonet.com.au/display.asp?ArticleID=6997
For more on the QANTAS marriage policy visit http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19324061-1702,00.html
For the letter to Telstra click here.

For further information contact Sharon Dane on 0403 895 268, Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668 and Rod Swift on 0417 890 111.