Civil unions safe for 100 days?
Confusion reigns over the fate of civil unions in Queensland after the release of Campbell Newman鈥檚 blueprint for his first 100 days of government.
The Liberal National Party (LNP) released the action plan several days before Saturday鈥檚 sweeping election victory.
Newman had previously promised he would 鈥渋mmediately鈥� look at civil unions if the LNP were elected.
The document details action on the LNP鈥檚 4 percent unemployment target, initiatives to lower the cost of living, establishing a Commission of Audit to assess the state鈥檚 finances, taking action on the Bruce Highway, establishing a 鈥楳ums and Bubs鈥� service, recruiting more police and removing Labor鈥檚 $7000 stamp duty.
There is, however, no reference to either the repeal of civil unions or an attempt to look at the legislation.
The confusion over the Civil Partnerships Act鈥檚 fate comes as speculation mounted last week that a relationships registry, which would remove the option of a ceremony, was being seriously considered by the LNP as an alternative to civil unions.
Despite previously saying he would not repeal the legislation if a civil partnership had been registered and formalised in Queensland before the next election, Newman appeared to backflip in February, saying he would look at completely repealing the Act.
鈥淚n relation to civil unions [and] gay marriage our position is very clear, we voted against the Bill and we鈥檝e said that if we get into government, we will repeal it,鈥� he said.
鈥淭hat may not be possible … I鈥檝e said before I don鈥檛 want to leave couples in legal limbo, but that鈥檚 the very strong position of my entire parliamentary team, my candidates across the state and my party.鈥�
Newman would be able to repeal civil unions by putting forward legislation amending the Acts affected by the recent changes to laws 鈥� of which there are more than 20.
All the gay that voted for the LNP deserve what they get. What self haters they must be.
Campbell Newman is like Amanda Vanstone on the issue of Same Sex Marriage – they’re the chink in the Liberal Armour. We only need a chink.
I feel sorry for Campbell… Being that he is a supporter of same-sex marriage, yet head of a party that is not supportive of same-sex marriage.
But this issue is about same-sex civil unions. I can only imagine the murky legal waters that will have to be waded through to try and repeal the legislation!
A poke in the eye with a burnt stick will be the LNP reward.