Hatzistergos ‘ignoring us’: Clover
Sydney MP Clover Moore has accused NSW Labor of not keeping up with community values and falling behind other states on same-sex equality during a parliament speech last week.
She called on the Iemma Government to reform anti-discrimination, parenting and family matters.
The law continues to ignore the rights of the children of the estimated 20 percent of lesbians and 10 percent of gay men who care for children, Moore said.
Currently, both members of New South Wales same-sex couples cannot be legally recognised as parents.
Moore said it was illogical that NSW gay men and lesbians can adopt as individuals but not as couples, as permitted in WA, the ACT and Tasmania.
And she accused other members of parliament of not supporting her in her attempts to give children of same-sex couples the same rights as children of heterosexual couples.
I am ashamed that this Parliament has not acted with integrity and legislated for justice, leaving gay and lesbian citizens without the same protections and rights, she said.
Moore was also pointedly critical of low-profile Attorney General John Hatzistergos for repeatedly stating he would not provide any relationship recognition to same-sex couples.
While I have repeatedly asked the NSW Government over many years to legislate equal treatment, there has been no leadership in this State, she said.
The Government is very much out of touch with community values. Debate in the Parliament continues to demonstrate homophobia, and there has been poor leadership on matters affecting gay men and lesbians.
A spokesman for Hatzistergos told SSO that reforms on these issues had not been ruled out.
These issues are currently being considered by Government as part of the response to the Law Reform Commission report. The Government is working on addressing the concerns that have been raised by the GLBT community, the spokesman said.
Have your say: Do you think the NSW Government will give in to demands for a same-sex couples register?
