Family lawyers get behind Civil Partnerships Bill

26 October 2011

Media Release

Family lawyers get behind Civil Partnerships Bill

Queensland’s family lawyers today backed State Government moves for greater rights for same-sex couples.

Family Law Practitioners’ Association of Queensland (FLPA) president Deborah Awyzio described the step as a ‘huge reform’ that would place Australia at the forefront of acceptance and tolerance for committed relationships.

“FLPA commends the Government’s commitment to reducing discrimination against same-sex couples by offering them formal recognition of their relationships through an official union,” she said.

“Currently, people in these relationships are able to access the same rights for property settlement, parenting arrangements, maintenance and child support as married couples.

“The only difference remains the lack of ability to formalise their relationship through a process like marriage.

“We wait with interest to consider the actual terms of the proposed legislation.”

Ms Awyzio said the new proposals were consistent with other discrimination legislation now in Queensland law.

“We believe that the legislative changes are an appropriate step that would tie in with the principles adopted under the Anti-Discrimination Act which stipulate that you are unable to discriminate against someone due to their relationship status.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Merrett Pye on 0422 096 049 or Caroline Thurlow  on 0414 565 575

About FLPA

The Family Law Practitioners’ Association of Queensland is the leading professional association for the family law sector in Queensland.

For more information go to www.flpa.org.au.