GenQ
http://www.generationq.net/news/australia/040508-001.shtmlSame-sex civil union bill in ACT modified after veto threat
Federal Government to the ACT: ‘Change the civil union bill or we will veto it’.
It’s a case of déjà vu for politics in the Australian Capital Territory, with a state based civil union bill threatened to be vetoed for the second time in three years.
Despite the Rudd Government currently developing legislation to eliminate discrimination for same-sex couples, an amended bill which would allow for same-sex unions to be legally recognized in the ACT must be modified yet again to eliminate legalities of the unions or the bill shall be vetoed.
Attorney General of the ACT Simon Corbell said that the federal government presented him with a “stark choice” to change the legislation or have it vetoed.
“Given the stubborn refusal of the Federal Government to consider any compromise, the territory has decided to amend its legislation to provide for a form of civil partnerships without ceremony.
“This will allow gay and lesbian couples in Canberra to legally formalise their relationships and unequivocally demonstrate their legal status so as to access Commonwealth superannuation, taxation and social security law reforms,” Mr Corbell said.
The Attorney General condemned the government’s stance on the legislation, accusing political leaders of resorting to “undemocratic nineteenth century colonial style power”.
The updated legislation is expected to be reviewed and passed in local parliament on Thursday.
An initial attempt to introduce legally recognized same-sex civil unions was thrown out by the Howard Government in 2006.