Coroner & Legal
Federal Attorney-General asked to intevene on same-sex marriage
FEDERAL ATTORNEY-GENERAL ASKED TO INTERVENE ON TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT PLANS TO LEGALISE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
Guy Barnett
14 August 2012
The Federal Attorney-General has been asked to intervene to block Tasmania’s plans to legalise same-sex marriage.
Launceston lawyer and consultant Guy Barnett has written to the Federal Attorney-General, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP asking her to intervene, ensuring the federal marriage laws are protected and remain consistent across the nation.
“The Federal Government has a responsibility to uphold and protect federal law, he said.
“The reason Federal Members of Parliament are currently debating legalising same-sex marriage is because marriage is a matter for Federal Parliament. Section 51(xxi) of the Constitution confirms this. Premier Lara Giddings publicly stated she had strong legal advice also confirming this position less than twelve months ago.
“If various States and/or Territory governments in Australia attempt to legalise same-sex marriage, as a nation we could end up with a mishmash of laws causing untold confusion. Section 109 of the Constitution provides that if there is any inconsistency between Federal and State laws, Federal laws prevail. This matter is clearly heading to the High Court and the Federal Attorney-General can, and should step in.
“I believe the Premier’s motives are designed to cause a distraction from the real issue in Tasmania – the hurting Tasmanian economy and her government’s incompetence.
“Marriage is a bedrock institution that for thousands of years has been between a man and a woman. It is a pro-child institution that ensures that children entering the world have a reasonable expectation of both a mother and a father. Same-sex marriage would deny the child the right to either a mum or dad. Marriage is not a fashion to be updated and there should be no doubt about its definition,” he concluded.
• AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Media Release: 14th of August, 2012
GILLARD CONDEMNED FOR SPEAKING AT ANTI-GAY CONFERENCE
CHRISTIANS DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM EXTREMIST GROUP
Marriage equality advocates are concerned the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, is to address what they say is an extremist, anti-gay group.
It was announced today that Ms Gillard will address the national conference of the Australian Christians Lobby in November, but clergy and mental health experts have condemned the move.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich said,
“Between January and June this year the ACL made over 120 statements condemning equality for gay Australians and said virtually nothing about poverty or homelessness, with some of its statements linking gay equality with the stolen generation, Nazis and paedophiles.”
“The ACL is an unrepresentative, anti-gay group which it is completely inappropriate for the leader of our nation to endorse in this way.”
Baptist Minister, Rev Carolyn Francis, questioned whether the ACL represents the majority of Australian Christians.
“Many Australian Christians are concerned about the ACL’s statements because they contradict the central Christian message of love and compassion.”
“The ACL’s predominate focus on issues relating to sexuality is disproportionate with the priorities of scripture and Christianity.”
Clinical Psychologist, Dr Robert Battisti, said statements by the ACL have contributed to poorer mental health outcomes among same-sex attracted Australians.
“We know from local and international research that when same-sex attracted people are stigmatised and denied equality they have higher levels of anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation.”
“A lot of the fears around same-sex marriage are unrealistic and will not actually come to pass. What is realistic is actual improvements in mental health outcomes for many Australians as a result of marriage equality”
Mr Greenwich said the Prime Minister has never spoken at a gay and lesbian community event, including the Rainbow Labor caucus within the Labor Party itself.
“Gay and lesbian Australians and our families want a Prime Minister who shows us equal respect and does not legitimise hate, and at the moment Julia Gillard is not that Prime Minister.”
Mr Greenwich said concerned members of the ALP have contacted him following the announcement.
“Many within Labor are upset that the leader of their Party is supporting an organisation that campaigns against Labor’s core values or fairness and equality”
Rev Francis and Dr Battisti are currently in Parliament House and are available for comment.