Same-sex marriage in Australia: Difference between revisions
Rescuing 6 sources and tagging 0 as dead. #IABot (v1.3beta2) |
|||
Line 104: | Line 104: | ||
* [[City of Yarra]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] – Registered partnerships since 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Governance/Relationship-Declaration-Register/|title=Yarra Council - Relationship Declaration Register|publisher=}}</ref> |
* [[City of Yarra]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] – Registered partnerships since 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Governance/Relationship-Declaration-Register/|title=Yarra Council - Relationship Declaration Register|publisher=}}</ref> |
||
* [[Municipality of Woollahra]], [[New South Wales]] - Registered partnerships since 2008<ref>[http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/new-south-wales-news/woollahra-to-get-same-sex-register/3177 WOOLLAHRA TO GET SAME-SEX REGISTER]</ref> |
* [[Municipality of Woollahra]], [[New South Wales]] - Registered partnerships since 2008<ref>[http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/new-south-wales-news/woollahra-to-get-same-sex-register/3177 WOOLLAHRA TO GET SAME-SEX REGISTER]</ref> |
||
* [[City of Blue Mountains]], [[New South Wales]] - Registered partnerships since 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/yourcommunity/relationshipdeclaration|title=Blue Mountains City Council - Relationship Declaration|first=Clear Blue|last=Day|publisher=}}</ref> |
* [[City of Blue Mountains]], [[New South Wales]] - Registered partnerships since 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/yourcommunity/relationshipdeclaration |title=Blue Mountains City Council - Relationship Declaration |first=Clear Blue |last=Day |publisher= |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201054501/http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/yourcommunity/relationshipdeclaration |archivedate=1 February 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> |
||
* [[City of Vincent]], [[Western Australia]] - Registered partnerships since 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/Services/Relationship_Declaration_Register|title=City of Vincent : Relationship Declaration Register|publisher=}}</ref> |
* [[City of Vincent]], [[Western Australia]] - Registered partnerships since 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/Services/Relationship_Declaration_Register|title=City of Vincent : Relationship Declaration Register|publisher=}}</ref> |
||
* [[Town of Port Hedland]], [[Western Australia]] - Registered partnerships since 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.porthedland.wa.gov.au/relationship-declaration-register.aspx|title=Relationship Declaration Register » Town of Port Hedland|publisher=}}</ref> |
* [[Town of Port Hedland]], [[Western Australia]] - Registered partnerships since 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.porthedland.wa.gov.au/relationship-declaration-register.aspx|title=Relationship Declaration Register » Town of Port Hedland|publisher=}}</ref> |
||
In [[LGBT rights in South Australia|South Australia]], the ''Statutes Amendment (Domestic Partners) Act 2006'' (Number 43), which took effect 1 June 2007, amended 97 [[Act of Parliament|Acts]], dispensing with the term "de facto" and categorising couples as "domestic partners". This meant same-sex couples and any two people who live together are covered by the same laws. In December 2016, the [[Parliament of South Australia|South Australian Parliament]] passed a law which creates a relationship register for same-sex couples and recognises the relationships of same-sex couples who had married or entered into an official union in other states and nations. Prior to that reform, same-sex couples could make a written agreement called a ''Domestic Partnership Agreement'' about their living arrangements. This may be prepared at any time and is legal from the time it is made, but must meet other requirements, such as joint commitments, before being recognised as domestic partners.<ref>{{cite web |title=STATUTES AMENDMENT (DOMESTIC PARTNERS) ACT 2006 (NO 43 OF 2006) |publisher=South Australian Numbered Acts |url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/num_act/sapa200643o2006447/ |accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref><ref name = "SAAct2">{{cite web |title=Statutes Amendment (Domestic Partners) Act 2006 |publisher=Government of South Australian Attorney-General's Department |url=http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/A/STATUTES%20AMENDMENT%20(DOMESTIC%20PARTNERS)%20ACT%202006.aspx |accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Southern Australia Approves Domestic Partners Legislation; Gay Rights Advocates Celebrate |publisher=GayWired.com |url=http://www.gaywired.com/article.cfm?section=66&id=11930 |accessdate=2008-05-01 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208112909/http://www.gaywired.com |
In [[LGBT rights in South Australia|South Australia]], the ''Statutes Amendment (Domestic Partners) Act 2006'' (Number 43), which took effect 1 June 2007, amended 97 [[Act of Parliament|Acts]], dispensing with the term "de facto" and categorising couples as "domestic partners". This meant same-sex couples and any two people who live together are covered by the same laws. In December 2016, the [[Parliament of South Australia|South Australian Parliament]] passed a law which creates a relationship register for same-sex couples and recognises the relationships of same-sex couples who had married or entered into an official union in other states and nations. Prior to that reform, same-sex couples could make a written agreement called a ''Domestic Partnership Agreement'' about their living arrangements. This may be prepared at any time and is legal from the time it is made, but must meet other requirements, such as joint commitments, before being recognised as domestic partners.<ref>{{cite web |title=STATUTES AMENDMENT (DOMESTIC PARTNERS) ACT 2006 (NO 43 OF 2006) |publisher=South Australian Numbered Acts |url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/num_act/sapa200643o2006447/ |accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref><ref name = "SAAct2">{{cite web |title=Statutes Amendment (Domestic Partners) Act 2006 |publisher=Government of South Australian Attorney-General's Department |url=http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/A/STATUTES%20AMENDMENT%20(DOMESTIC%20PARTNERS)%20ACT%202006.aspx |accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Southern Australia Approves Domestic Partners Legislation; Gay Rights Advocates Celebrate |publisher=GayWired.com |url=http://www.gaywired.com/article.cfm?section=66&id=11930 |accessdate=2008-05-01 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208112909/http://www.gaywired.com/article.cfm?section=66&id=11930 |archivedate=8 February 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="SAAct4">{{cite web|title=Southern Australia Approves Domestic Partners Legislation; Gay Rights Advocates Celebrate |publisher=gaywired.com |url=http://www.gaywired.com/article.cfm?section=66&id=11930 |accessdate=2007-09-03 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208112909/http://www.gaywired.com/article.cfm?section=66&id=11930 |archivedate=8 February 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name = "SAAct5">{{cite web |title=Votes on Homosexual Issues |publisher=South Australia, Australia, House of Assembly |url=http://www.actwin.com/eatonohio/gay/sahoa.html |accessdate=2007-09-03 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070607155416/http://www.actwin.com/eatonohio/gay/sahoa.html |archivedate = 2007-06-07}}</ref><ref name = "abc1">{{cite web |title=SA Upper House passes bill for same-sex rights (Thursday, December 7, 2006. 6:49pm (AEDT)) |publisher=ABC News Online |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1806737.htm |accessdate=2007-09-03}}</ref><ref name="rights">{{cite web|title=South Australia gays get new rights by Tony Grew (7 December 2006) |publisher=pinknews.com.au |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-3200.html |accessdate=2007-09-03 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5mCZgviO5?url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-3200.html |archivedate=21 December 2009 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> |
||
In [[LGBT rights in Tasmania|Tasmania]], beginning 1 January 2004, the states' ''Relationships Act 2003'' allows same-sex couples to register their union as a type of domestic partnership in two distinct categories, ''Significant Relationships'' and ''Caring Relationships'', with the state's Registry of Births, Death and Marriages. The new definition of partner or spouse, "two people in a relationship whether or not it's sexual", was embedded into 80 pieces of legislation, giving same-sex couples rights in making decisions about a partner's health, provides for guardianship when a partner is incapacitated, and gives same-sex couples equal access to a partner's public sector pensions. It also allows one member of a same-sex couple to adopt the biological child of their partner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/bdm/relationships|title=Births Deaths and Marriages : Relationships|work=justice.tas.gov.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buddybuddy.com/d-p-taz.html|title=Partners Task Force - Tasmania: Relationships Act|work=buddybuddy.com}}</ref> In September 2010, the [[Parliament of Tasmania|Tasmanian Parliament]] unanimously passed legislation to recognise same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions as registered partnerships under the ''Relationships Act 2003'', making it the first Australian state or territory to do so.<ref>{{cite web |
In [[LGBT rights in Tasmania|Tasmania]], beginning 1 January 2004, the states' ''Relationships Act 2003'' allows same-sex couples to register their union as a type of domestic partnership in two distinct categories, ''Significant Relationships'' and ''Caring Relationships'', with the state's Registry of Births, Death and Marriages. The new definition of partner or spouse, "two people in a relationship whether or not it's sexual", was embedded into 80 pieces of legislation, giving same-sex couples rights in making decisions about a partner's health, provides for guardianship when a partner is incapacitated, and gives same-sex couples equal access to a partner's public sector pensions. It also allows one member of a same-sex couple to adopt the biological child of their partner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/bdm/relationships|title=Births Deaths and Marriages : Relationships|work=justice.tas.gov.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buddybuddy.com/d-p-taz.html|title=Partners Task Force - Tasmania: Relationships Act|work=buddybuddy.com}}</ref> In September 2010, the [[Parliament of Tasmania|Tasmanian Parliament]] unanimously passed legislation to recognise same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions as registered partnerships under the ''Relationships Act 2003'', making it the first Australian state or territory to do so.<ref>{{cite web |
||
Line 490: | Line 490: | ||
Despite having support of the major parties the bill was contested by sections of the community, human rights groups and some minor political parties. The [[Australian Greens]] opposed the bill, calling it the "Marriage Discrimination Act". The [[Australian Democrats]] also opposed the bill. Democrat Senator [[Andrew Bartlett]] stated that the legislation devalues his marriage, and Greens Senator [[Bob Brown]] referred to [[John Howard]] and the legislation as "hateful".<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/05/27/1085461876842.html PM targets gays in marriage law] "[…] you cannot be on one or the other side of a divide with discriminatory legislation like this. The people who are on the receiving end of this discriminatory legislation will find it hateful. It impacts on them. It is not a loving message coming from the Prime Minister; it is the opposite. I have said that this is legislation of hate. I have said that this is a message of hate coming from the Prime Minister. It came from George W. Bush initially. […] Discrimination is hate in this circumstance and it is not unparliamentary for me to say so. […] When you discriminate against people, they feel they are being hated.";</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200408/s1176303.htm |title= Coalition, Labor pass same-sex marriage ban |date=13 August 2004 |publisher= ABC News Online}}</ref> Brown was asked to retract his statements, but refused. Bob Brown also quoted as Australia having a "straight Australia policy". |
Despite having support of the major parties the bill was contested by sections of the community, human rights groups and some minor political parties. The [[Australian Greens]] opposed the bill, calling it the "Marriage Discrimination Act". The [[Australian Democrats]] also opposed the bill. Democrat Senator [[Andrew Bartlett]] stated that the legislation devalues his marriage, and Greens Senator [[Bob Brown]] referred to [[John Howard]] and the legislation as "hateful".<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/05/27/1085461876842.html PM targets gays in marriage law] "[…] you cannot be on one or the other side of a divide with discriminatory legislation like this. The people who are on the receiving end of this discriminatory legislation will find it hateful. It impacts on them. It is not a loving message coming from the Prime Minister; it is the opposite. I have said that this is legislation of hate. I have said that this is a message of hate coming from the Prime Minister. It came from George W. Bush initially. […] Discrimination is hate in this circumstance and it is not unparliamentary for me to say so. […] When you discriminate against people, they feel they are being hated.";</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200408/s1176303.htm |title= Coalition, Labor pass same-sex marriage ban |date=13 August 2004 |publisher= ABC News Online}}</ref> Brown was asked to retract his statements, but refused. Bob Brown also quoted as Australia having a "straight Australia policy". |
||
Not all of Labor was in support of the bill. During the bill's second reading, [[Anthony Albanese]], Labor MP for [[Grayndler]] said, "what has caused offence is why the government has rushed in this legislation in what is possibly the last fortnight of parliamentary sittings. This bill is a result of 30 bigoted backbenchers who want to press buttons out there in the community."<ref>{{cite web |
Not all of Labor was in support of the bill. During the bill's second reading, [[Anthony Albanese]], Labor MP for [[Grayndler]] said, "what has caused offence is why the government has rushed in this legislation in what is possibly the last fortnight of parliamentary sittings. This bill is a result of 30 bigoted backbenchers who want to press buttons out there in the community."<ref>{{cite web|title=Marriage Legislation Amendment Bill 2004: Second Reading |author=Albanese, Anthony |date=2004-06-16 |publisher=Anthony Albanese MP |url=http://www.anthonyalbanese.com.au/news/407/index.html |accessdate=2008-05-26 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605230928/http://www.anthonyalbanese.com.au/news/407/index.html |archivedate=5 June 2008 |df=dmy-all }} </ref> |
||
===Marriage Equality (Same Sex) Act 2013=== |
===Marriage Equality (Same Sex) Act 2013=== |
||
Line 528: | Line 528: | ||
An August 2013 poll conducted by [[Fairfax Media]] and Nielson Polling found that 65% of respondents supported legalising marriage between same-sex couples, up 8 points since December 2011, while only 28% were opposed (down 7 points). Support was greater among women (75%) than men (55%) and greater among younger voters than older voters.<ref name="poll1"/> 57% of respondents said that same-sex marriage was "not important at all" in deciding how they would vote in the coming election.<ref name="APH">{{cite web |url=http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BriefingBook44p/Marriage|title=Same-sex marriage|author=Neilsen, Mary Anne|work=[[Australian Parliament House]]|accessdate=10 May 2014}}</ref> Even for those supporting same-sex marriage 49% said that the issue was "not important at all" in deciding their vote.<ref name="poll1">{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/gay-marriage-support-up-but-it-wont-change-poll-20130824-2si1q.html|title=Gay marriage support up but it won't change poll|work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> |
An August 2013 poll conducted by [[Fairfax Media]] and Nielson Polling found that 65% of respondents supported legalising marriage between same-sex couples, up 8 points since December 2011, while only 28% were opposed (down 7 points). Support was greater among women (75%) than men (55%) and greater among younger voters than older voters.<ref name="poll1"/> 57% of respondents said that same-sex marriage was "not important at all" in deciding how they would vote in the coming election.<ref name="APH">{{cite web |url=http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BriefingBook44p/Marriage|title=Same-sex marriage|author=Neilsen, Mary Anne|work=[[Australian Parliament House]]|accessdate=10 May 2014}}</ref> Even for those supporting same-sex marriage 49% said that the issue was "not important at all" in deciding their vote.<ref name="poll1">{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/gay-marriage-support-up-but-it-wont-change-poll-20130824-2si1q.html|title=Gay marriage support up but it won't change poll|work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> |
||
In June 2014, [[Crosby Textor Group]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crosbytextor.com/news/record-support-for-same-sex-marriage/|title=Record support for same-sex marriage - News - The C-T Group|work=crosbytextor.com}}</ref> was commissioned by ''Australian Marriage Equality'' to poll the public on same-sex marriage. Their survey included the following questions on the common reasons for opposition:<ref><!--- Pls put this link in wiki-citation format, rather than a .pdf dump ---> [http://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=b3a66362-b2a7-403a-a465-52794a18dcaf&subId=299074 Arguments Against Same-Sex Marriage]</ref> |
In June 2014, [[Crosby Textor Group]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crosbytextor.com/news/record-support-for-same-sex-marriage/ |title=Record support for same-sex marriage - News - The C-T Group |work=crosbytextor.com |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114043401/http://www.crosbytextor.com/news/record-support-for-same-sex-marriage/ |archivedate=14 January 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> was commissioned by ''Australian Marriage Equality'' to poll the public on same-sex marriage. Their survey included the following questions on the common reasons for opposition:<ref><!--- Pls put this link in wiki-citation format, rather than a .pdf dump ---> [http://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=b3a66362-b2a7-403a-a465-52794a18dcaf&subId=299074 Arguments Against Same-Sex Marriage]</ref> |
||
{| class="wikitable small" style="font-size:85%" |
{| class="wikitable small" style="font-size:85%" |
||
|- |
|- |
||
Line 554: | Line 554: | ||
|} |
|} |
||
A July 2014 poll, commissioned by Australian Marriage Equality and conducted by the [Crosby Textor Group found that 72% of Australians supported legalising same-sex marriage, while only 21% were opposed. A majority of those identifying with major religions supported same-sex marriage, including Catholics, Anglicans and non-Christian religions as did a majority of older Australians aged over 55. [[Mark Textor]] stated "This poll definitively puts pay to some of the myths that married couples or those with religious beliefs are against same-sex marriage. It doesn't devalue their marriages or faith, and instead gives everyone equal access to the rights they are accorded". Further, 77% of respondents agreed that Coalition MPs and Senators should be granted a conscience vote on the issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crosbytextor.com/news/record-support-for-same-sex-marriage/|title=New poll shows record 72% support for marriage equality|date=15 Jul 2014|author=Mark Textor |publisher=Crosby Textor Group}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/poll-shows-growing-support-for-samesex-marriage-20140714-3bxaj.html|title=Poll shows growing support for same-sex marriage|author=Lisa Cox|date=15 July 2014|accessdate=15 July 2014|work=[[The Age]]|publisher=Fairfax Media}}</ref> Jim Reed, director of Research and Strategy at the Crosby Textor Group argued in an opinion piece that the poll represented a "seismic shift in public attitudes towards marriage equality."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-31/reed-the-tides-have-turned-on-same-sex-marriage/5637770|title=The tides have turned on same-sex marriage|author=Jim Reed|date=31 July 2014|work=The Drum|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref> |
A July 2014 poll, commissioned by Australian Marriage Equality and conducted by the [Crosby Textor Group found that 72% of Australians supported legalising same-sex marriage, while only 21% were opposed. A majority of those identifying with major religions supported same-sex marriage, including Catholics, Anglicans and non-Christian religions as did a majority of older Australians aged over 55. [[Mark Textor]] stated "This poll definitively puts pay to some of the myths that married couples or those with religious beliefs are against same-sex marriage. It doesn't devalue their marriages or faith, and instead gives everyone equal access to the rights they are accorded". Further, 77% of respondents agreed that Coalition MPs and Senators should be granted a conscience vote on the issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crosbytextor.com/news/record-support-for-same-sex-marriage/ |title=New poll shows record 72% support for marriage equality |date=15 Jul 2014 |author=Mark Textor |publisher=Crosby Textor Group |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114043401/http://www.crosbytextor.com/news/record-support-for-same-sex-marriage/ |archivedate=14 January 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/poll-shows-growing-support-for-samesex-marriage-20140714-3bxaj.html|title=Poll shows growing support for same-sex marriage|author=Lisa Cox|date=15 July 2014|accessdate=15 July 2014|work=[[The Age]]|publisher=Fairfax Media}}</ref> Jim Reed, director of Research and Strategy at the Crosby Textor Group argued in an opinion piece that the poll represented a "seismic shift in public attitudes towards marriage equality."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-31/reed-the-tides-have-turned-on-same-sex-marriage/5637770|title=The tides have turned on same-sex marriage|author=Jim Reed|date=31 July 2014|work=The Drum|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref> |
||
Also in July 2014 Newscorp's Newspoll recorded a high vote in favour of same-sex marriage, with two-thirds of respondents supporting marriage between same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/50th-birthday-news/marriage-equality-wins-support-of-two-out-of-three/story-fnmx97ei-1226990227810|title=Marriage equality wins support of two out of three|work=The Australian|author=Natasha Bita|date=July 16, 2014}}</ref> |
Also in July 2014 Newscorp's Newspoll recorded a high vote in favour of same-sex marriage, with two-thirds of respondents supporting marriage between same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/50th-birthday-news/marriage-equality-wins-support-of-two-out-of-three/story-fnmx97ei-1226990227810|title=Marriage equality wins support of two out of three|work=The Australian|author=Natasha Bita|date=July 16, 2014}}</ref> |
Revision as of 02:04, 22 March 2017
Part of the LGBT rights series |
![]() |
Same-sex unions are treated as de facto unions under Australian federal law, though each Australian state and territory is entitled to create their own laws with respect to same-sex relationship registers and same-sex partnership schemes. Civil unions and domestic partnerships are available to same-sex couples in most states and territories. Same-sex couples are prevented from marrying by the 2004 amendments to the federal Marriage Act (1961) by the Howard Government.[1]
As of September 2016, 21 same-sex marriage related bills have been introduced in the Parliament of Australia, none of which have passed and become law.[2] In December 2013, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) passed legislation which briefly legalised same-sex marriage within the territory,[3] prompting the Federal Government to launch a constitutional challenge in the High Court. The High Court struck down the ACT legislation on the basis that the law was inconsistent with federal legislation, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman.[4] The current Coalition Government proposed to hold a plebiscite on same-sex marriage in February 2017, though this was rejected by the Australian Senate in November 2016.[5]
The opposition Labor Party supports same-sex marriage in its national platform, though allows its parliamentary members a conscience vote on same-sex marriage legislation.[6]
De facto unions
De facto unions, defined in the federal Family Law Act 1975,[7] are available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. De facto relationships provide couples who are living together on a genuine domestic basis with many of the same rights and benefits as married couples. Two people can become a de facto couple by entering into a registered relationship (i.e.: civil union or domestic partnership) or by being assessed as such by the Family Court or Federal Circuit Court.[8] Couples who are living together are generally recognised as a de facto union and thus able to claim many of the rights and benefits of a married couple, even if they have not registered or officially documented their relationship.[9]
Rudd Government 2008/09 reforms
Following the Australian Human Rights Commission's 2007 report Same-Sex: Same Entitlements[10] and an audit of Commonwealth (i.e.: federal) legislation, in 2009 the Rudd Government introduced several reforms designed to equalise treatment for same-sex couples and same-sex couple families. The reforms amended 85 Commonwealth laws to eliminate discrimination against same-sex couples and their children in a wide range of areas. The reforms came in the form of two pieces of legislation, the Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws—General Law Reform) Act 2008 and the Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws—Superannuation) Act 2008.[11][12] These laws, which passed the Parliament in November 2008, amended several other existing Commonwealth acts to equalise treatment for same-sex couples and any children that such couples may be raising, with respect to the following areas:[13]
- Taxation
- Superannuation
- Health Insurance
- Social Security
- Aged care and child support
- Immigration
- Citizenship
- Veterans' Affairs
For instance, with relation to social security and general family law, same-sex couples were previously not recognised as a couple for social security or family assistance purposes. A person who had a same-sex de facto partner was treated as a single person. The reforms ensured that same-sex couples were (for the first time under Australian law) recognised as a couple akin to opposite-sex partners. Consequently, a same-sex couple receives the same rate of social security and family assistance payments as an opposite-sex couple. Such reforms, however, do not completely equalise treatment for same-sex couples; for instance, they do not have the same rights and entitlements as married heterosexual couples with respect to workers' compensation death benefits, pensions for the partners of Defence Force veterans and access to carer's leave.[14] Despite large equality of rights, Australia does not have a national registered partnership, civil union or same-sex relationship scheme.
Legislative history prior to de facto unions
In 2004, amendments to the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act to allow tax free payment of superannuation benefits to be made to the surviving partner on an interdependent relationships, included same sex couples, or a relationship where one person was financially dependent on another person.[15][16] Prior to 2008, same-sex couples were only recognised by the Federal Government in very limited circumstances. For example, since the 1990s, same-sex foreign partners of Australian citizens have been able to receive residency permits in Australia known as "interdependency visas". Following a national inquiry into financial and work-related discrimination against same-sex relationships, on 21 June 2007, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) released its Same-Sex: Same Entitlements report. The Commission identified 58 Commonwealth law statutes and provisions that explicitly discriminate against same-gender couples by using the term 'member of the opposite sex'.[17][18]
The previous conservative Howard Government banned its departments from making submissions to the HREOC inquiry regarding financial discrimination experienced by same-sex couples.[19]
The report found that 100 statutes and provisions under federal law discriminated against same-sex couples by using the term 'member of the opposite sex', from Aged Care, Superannuation, Childcare, Medicare (including the PBS) through to Pensions. "All the basics that opposite-gender couples are legally entitled to and take for granted" [20] were things same-sex couples were effectively barred from utilising under the former system.
Differences between de facto relationships and marriages
Since 1 March 2009, few legal differences remain with respect to treatment of couples in a de facto relationship and heterosexual couples in a marriage.[21] A few small differences exist between the rights of a de facto couple and a married couple in relation to family law matters, including property settlements and entitlements to spousal maintenance. A de facto relationship must have ended for the Court to make an order for property settlement or spousal maintenance, though this requirement does not exist for married couples.[22] For a de facto partner to seek an order for property settlement, the Court must be satisfied of at least one of the following:[22]
- The period of the de facto relationship was for at least two years; or
- There is a child in the de facto relationship; or
- The relationship is or was registered under a prescribed law of a State or Territory; or
- That failure to make an order would result in serious injustice due to the significant contributions made by one party.
By way of comparison, for a married couple, it is enough merely to have been married to attract the jurisdiction of the Court for property and spousal maintenance.[22]
Furthermore, it is possible that individuals in a de facto relationship can be treated substantively different to a person in a marriage. In the event of an unexpected end to a de facto relationship (such as death of a partner), the surviving partner must often prove the existence of a relationship in order to be registered as the next of kin on a death certificate and receive government bereavement payments and access to a partner's superannuation. These requirements vary on a state by state basis. Given that same-sex couples do not have the option to marry, as heterosexual couples do, these discrepancies can have a particularly discriminatory impact on same-sex couples.[23]
In April 2014, a federal court judge ruled that a heterosexual couple who had a child and lived together for 13 years were not in a de facto relationship and thus the court had no jurisdiction to divide up their property under family law following a request for separation. In his ruling, the judge stated "de facto relationship(s) may be described as ‘marriage like’ but it is not a marriage and has significant differences socially, financially and emotionally."[24]
State and territory recognition schemes
Same-sex couples have access to different relationship recognition schemes in Australia's eight states and territories. Under federal law, these relationships are treated as de facto unions. Unless the states and territories legislated otherwise, these schemes would remain in place as an option for same-sex couples in the event Australia passed a federal same-sex marriage law.
Civil unions
The Australian Capital Territory provides same-sex couples with the right to access a civil union. Under the federal laws, these unions are treated as de facto unions. In August 2012, the ACT's Civil Union Bill passed after legal advice demonstrated that the Federal Government had removed its ability to legislate for territorial and state same-sex marriage after it defined marriage as only between man and woman in the Marriage Amendment Act 2004. The Civil Union Act 2012 grants many of the same rights to same-sex couples as people married under the Marriage Act.[25] The act was not challenged by the Gillard Federal Government. The act was to be repealed and civil unions were to be no longer accessible to same-sex couples upon commencement of the Marriage Equality (Same Sex) Act 2013, which (if not struck down by the High Court) would have permanently legalised same-sex marriage in the territory.[26] Due to the High Court's ruling striking down the ACT's same-sex marriage law as invalid, the repeal of the Civil Unions Act 2012 is of no effect and civil unions continue to take place in the ACT.[27]
Civil partnerships
Civil partnerships, commonly referred to as civil unions, have been legal in Queensland since April 2016. In December 2002, the states' Discrimination Law Amendment Act 2002 created a new and non-discriminatory definition of "de facto partner", affecting 42 pieces of legislation.[28] This gave same-sex couples the same rights as de facto couples in most instances. Queensland law since November 2016 includes access to adoption for same-sex couples.[29]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7e/Panorama_of_Rally_-_Same_Sex_Marriage_Rally%2C_Queens_Park%2C_Brisbane%2C_Queensland%2C_Australia%2C_August_1_2009.jpg/360px-Panorama_of_Rally_-_Same_Sex_Marriage_Rally%2C_Queens_Park%2C_Brisbane%2C_Queensland%2C_Australia%2C_August_1_2009.jpg)
On 25 October 2011, Queensland Deputy Premier, Andrew Fraser, introduced the Civil Partnerships bill 2011 into the Queensland Legislative Assembly. The bill passed the Legislative Assembly on 30 November by a vote of 47 to 40, with those against including four votes from the Australian Labor Party.[30] The Civil Partnerships Act 2011 allowed for same-sex couples who are Queensland residents to enter into a civil partnership. Shortly after the change of government in the 2012 state elections, the centre-right LNP Government passed the "Civil Partnerships and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012".[31] The new law changed the name from "civil partnership" to "registered relationship" and prohibited the state from offering ceremonies for those who do register their relationship in this manner. Following the 2015 state election, which saw Labor form minority government, the Parliament passed (in December 2015) the Relationships (Civil Partnerships) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2015, which restored state-sanctioned ceremonies for same-sex and opposite-sex couples and once more changed regulations referring to "registered relationships" with "civil partnerships".[32] The law came into effect following a number of administrative matters occurring, with civil partnerships resuming in the state on 2 April 2016.[32][33]
Domestic partnerships
Same-sex couples have access to domestic partnership registries (otherwise known as registered relationships) in Queensland, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia.
New South Wales, Australia's most populous state, has recognised domestic partnerships since July 2010. The Relationships Register Act 2010 was introduced to the NSW Legislative Assembly on 23 April 2010, to provide conclusive proof of the existence of the relationship, thereby gaining all of the rights afforded to de facto couples under state and federal law. The bill was approved by the NSW Legislative Assembly on a 62–9 vote on 11 May 2010, and then by the NSW Legislative Council (upper house) on a 32–5 vote on 12 May. It was signed into law by Governor Marie Bashir and entered into force on 1 July 2010.[34][35] Earlier, in June 2008, the Legislative Assembly passed the Miscellaneous Acts Amendment (Same Sex Relationships) Bill 2008,[36][37] which recognises co-mothers as legal parents of children born through donor insemination, provides birth certificates allowing two mothers to be recognised, creates amendments to 57 pieces of state legislation to ensure de facto couples, including same-sex couples, are treated equally with married couples, and creates amendments to the New South Wales Anti-Discrimination Act to ensure same-sex couples are protected from discrimination on the basis of their "marital or domestic status" in employment, accommodation and access to other goods and services.[38] In November 2013, a bill was introduced into the NSW Upper House to legalise same-sex marriage. The bill was defeated.[39][40] The external territory of Norfolk Island has, since 1 July 2016, been incorporated into New South Wales legislation.
Victoria has recognised domestic partnerships since December 2008, when the state's Domestic Partnerships Register came into effect.[41] This allowed same-sex couples to register their relationships with the state Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages and provide conclusive proof of a de facto relationship, allowing them to receive all the benefits and rights of such a couple under state and federal law. In 2016, the Victorian Parliament passed reforms to the state's domestic partnerships legislation, allowing for the recognition of overseas same-sex marriages on official documents and also allowing couples the option of having an official ceremony when registering for a domestic partnership.[42] The earliest legislative reform in the state designed to provide equal treatment of same-sex couples came in August 2001, in the form of the Statute Law Amendment (Relationships) Act 2001 and the Statute Law Further Amendment (Relationships) Act 2001. The Acts amended 60 laws in Victoria to give same-sex couples, called "domestic partners", many rights equal to those enjoyed by de facto couples, including hospital access, medical decision making, superannuation, inheritance rights, property tax, landlord/tenancy rights, mental health treatment and victims of crime procedures.[43][44][45]
All levels of Australian governments under nearly all Australian statutes recognise same-sex couples as de facto couples since 2009.[46] From 1 July 2009, Centrelink recognises same-sex couples equally regarding social security – under common-law marriage, de facto relationship or unregistered cohabitation.[47]
Registered partnership recognition in state Governments
States | Official relationship status | Year of enactment |
---|---|---|
ACT | ![]() |
2012 |
New South Wales | ![]() |
2010 |
Queensland | ![]() |
2012 |
Tasmania | ![]() |
2004 |
Victoria | ![]() |
2008 |
South Australia | ![]() |
Sometime in 2017 |
Registered partnership recognition in 7 local government areas within Australia:
- City of Sydney, New South Wales - Registered partnerships since 2004[48]
- City of Melbourne, Victoria – Registered partnerships since 2007[49]
- City of Yarra, Victoria – Registered partnerships since 2007[50]
- Municipality of Woollahra, New South Wales - Registered partnerships since 2008[51]
- City of Blue Mountains, New South Wales - Registered partnerships since 2010[52]
- City of Vincent, Western Australia - Registered partnerships since 2012[53]
- Town of Port Hedland, Western Australia - Registered partnerships since 2015[54]
In South Australia, the Statutes Amendment (Domestic Partners) Act 2006 (Number 43), which took effect 1 June 2007, amended 97 Acts, dispensing with the term "de facto" and categorising couples as "domestic partners". This meant same-sex couples and any two people who live together are covered by the same laws. In December 2016, the South Australian Parliament passed a law which creates a relationship register for same-sex couples and recognises the relationships of same-sex couples who had married or entered into an official union in other states and nations. Prior to that reform, same-sex couples could make a written agreement called a Domestic Partnership Agreement about their living arrangements. This may be prepared at any time and is legal from the time it is made, but must meet other requirements, such as joint commitments, before being recognised as domestic partners.[55][56][57][58][59][60][61]
In Tasmania, beginning 1 January 2004, the states' Relationships Act 2003 allows same-sex couples to register their union as a type of domestic partnership in two distinct categories, Significant Relationships and Caring Relationships, with the state's Registry of Births, Death and Marriages. The new definition of partner or spouse, "two people in a relationship whether or not it's sexual", was embedded into 80 pieces of legislation, giving same-sex couples rights in making decisions about a partner's health, provides for guardianship when a partner is incapacitated, and gives same-sex couples equal access to a partner's public sector pensions. It also allows one member of a same-sex couple to adopt the biological child of their partner.[62][63] In September 2010, the Tasmanian Parliament unanimously passed legislation to recognise same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions as registered partnerships under the Relationships Act 2003, making it the first Australian state or territory to do so.[64]
In August 2012, a bill was introduced into the Tasmanian Parliament to legalise same-sex marriage. The bill was defeated.[65][66] In October 2013, a bill was re-introduced into the Tasmanian Upper House to legalise same-sex marriage. The bill was defeated.[67]
No relationship registration scheme
Same-sex de facto couples in all states and territories have much the same rights as opposite-sex de facto couples. However, the inability of same-sex couples to have conclusive evidence of their relationships in Western Australia and the Northern Territory can make it difficult for them to access rights accorded to them under the law. The following list discusses states and territories without registered partnerships for same-sex couples: However, section 118 of The Australian Constitution (The Full Faith and Credit Section) would, in fact, mean that persons registered under the laws of states and territories with civil partnership or civil union laws would be able to enforce their rights in jurisdictions without specific enactments.
In the Northern Territory, in March 2004, the territory Government enacted the Law Reform (Gender, Sexuality and De Facto Relationships) Act 2003 to remove legislative discrimination against same-sex couples in most areas of territory law (except the Adoption Act) and recognise same-sex unions as de facto unions. The Act removed distinctions based on a person's gender, sexuality or de facto relationship in approximately 50 Acts and Regulations. As in NSW and the ACT, reform has also included enabling the lesbian partner of a woman to be recognised as the parent of her partner's child across State law.[68]
In Western Australia, the Acts Amendment (Lesbian and Gay Law Reform) Act 2002 removed all remaining legislative discrimination toward sexual orientation by adding the new definition of "de facto partner" into 62 Acts, provisions and statutes and created new family law designed to recognise same-sex unions as de facto unions.[69]
Same-sex marriage
Federal law
The federal Marriage Act [Section 5 (1)], amended in 2004, defines marriage as "the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life".[70] Section 88EA of the Act also stipulates that any foreign marriages of same-sex couples "must not be recognised as a marriage in Australia".[71]
There was no express prohibition on same-sex marriage until 2004, when public debate increased following the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts and Canada. In an attempt to prevent a similar outcome in Australia, the Howard Government introduced the Marriage Amendment Act in the Parliament on 27 May 2004.[72] The amendment specified that marriage, undefined in the Act, would be defined as a "union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others" and that foreign same-sex marriages would not be recognised as such in Australia.[73] Additional reforms to the Family Law Act prevented same-sex couples from being eligible adoptive parents for children in inter-country adoption arrangements,[73] though these restrictions were eventually relaxed in 2014.[74] The amendment passed the Parliament on 13 August 2004 and went into effect on the day it received royal assent, on 16 August 2004.[75][76]
There have subsequently been several attempts to legalise same-sex marriage nationwide via approval from both houses of the Federal Parliament. A number of bills legalising same-sex marriage were introduced between 2004 and 2016, but each of these has failed.[77]
The current Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, supports same-sex marriage.[78][79][80]
Recent history
In September 2012, the House of Representatives rejected a bill introduced by Labor MP Stephen Jones aimed at legalising same-sex marriage by 98 votes to 42.[81] The Senate subsequently voted against a bill to legalise same-sex marriage by 41 votes to 26.[82] In both instances the Gillard Labor Government allowed MPs a conscience vote whilst the opposition Liberal/National Coalition voted as a bloc against the legislation.[83][84]
The issue caused significant tension within centre-right Abbott Government,[85][86] which resolved in August 2015 to move for a national vote on same-sex marriage to be held sometime after the 2016 federal election, either in the form of a plebiscite or constitutional referendum.[87] This policy was maintained by the Turnbull Government after Malcolm Turnbull (a supporter of same-sex marriage) replaced Abbott as Prime Minister following a leadership challenge.[79]
Turnbull introduced the Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016 into the House of Representatives in September 2016. The plebiscite was to have been held on 11 February 2017.[88][89] The Labor Opposition, minor party the Greens and several Senate crossbenchers later announced they would oppose the legislation.[90] Following several weeks of debate, the bill passed the House by 76 votes to 67 on 20 October 2016.[88][91] The bill moved to the Senate, though was defeated in the Senate by 33 votes to 29 on 7 November 2016.[5][92]
Despite the fact Turnbull stated following the result in the Senate that the Government had "no plans to take any other measures on this issue",[93] a parliamentary committee recently examined the issue and several Liberal Party MPs have stated they intend to move for a free vote to be held on same-sex marriage legislation by late March 2017.[94][95]
Federal parliamentarians who publicly support same-sex marriage
Both the current Prime Minister and Opposition Leader (Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten respectively), as well as their deputy party leaders (Julie Bishop and Tanya Plibersek) support same-sex marriage.[96][97]
House of Representatives
MPs who have publicly declared their support of same-sex marriage in the Australian House of Representatives:[83][98][99][100][101]
* Has voted against same-sex marriage
Senate
Senators who have publicly declared their support of same-sex marriage:[100][101][154]
* Has voted against same-sex marriage
State and territory law
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/Same_sex_marriage_Australia_map.svg/220px-Same_sex_marriage_Australia_map.svg.png)
States and territories have long had the ability to create laws with respect to relationships, though Section 51 (xxi) of the Constitution of Australia prescribes that marriage is a legislative power of the Federal Parliament.[182]
In December 2013, the High Court of Australia ruled, in relation to a territory-based same-sex marriage law of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), that the federal Marriage Act, which defined marriage as the union of a man and woman, precluded states and territories from legislating for same-sex marriage.[183] As a result, only the Federal Parliament can legislate for same-sex marriage, whilst states and territories almost certainly cannot.
Since the Commonwealth introduced the Marriage Act Cth. 1961, marriage laws in Australia have been regarded as an exclusive Commonwealth power. The precise rights of states and territories with respect to creating state-based same-sex marriage laws have been complicated since the Howard Government amendment to the Marriage Act in 2004 to define marriage as the exclusive union of one man and one woman, to the exclusion of all others.[1] In their December 2013 ruling striking down the ACT's same-sex marriage law, the High Court effectively determined that all laws with respect to marriage were an exclusive power of the Commonwealth and that no state or territory law legalising same-sex marriage or creating any type of marriage could operate concurrently with the federal Marriage Act; "the kind of marriage provided for by the [Marriage] Act is the only kind of marriage that may be formed or recognised in Australia".[183] As a result, the only possible method for same-sex marriage legalisation to occur in Australia is via legislation passed into law by the Federal Parliament only.
Prior to that ruling, reports released by the New South Wales Parliamentary Committee on Social Issues and the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute have found that a state parliament "has the power to legislate on the topic of marriage, including same-sex marriage. However, if New South Wales chooses to exercise that power and enact a law for same-sex marriage, the law could be subject to challenge in the High Court of Australia"[184] and that no current arguments "present an absolute impediment to achieving state-based or Commonwealth marriage equality".[185] With respect to territories, the ACT Government obtained legal advice that its bill seeking to legalise same-sex marriage could operate concurrently with the federal Government's statutory ban on recognising same-sex marriage.[186] The Abbott Government's acting Solicitor-General advised the federal Attorney-General, George Brandis, that the ACT's same-sex marriage law was inconsistent with the federal Government's laws[187] whilst other experts rated the ACT's law as 'doubtful' or impossible to pass judicial scrutiny.[188][189] Those experts were proven correct, when on 12 December 2013, the High Court of Australia struck down the Australian Capital Territory's same-sex marriage law.
Aside from the Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania is the only other state or territory to have passed same-sex marriage legislation in a chamber of its Legislature. The state lower house passed same-sex marriage legislation by 13-11 votes in September 2012, though the state upper house subsequently voted against this legislation a few weeks later by a vote of 8-6.[190][191] Both houses have since passed motions giving in-principle, symbolic support for same-sex marriage.[192]
New South Wales amended its law in November 2014 to allow overseas same-sex marriages to be recognised on the state's relationship register.[193][194][195] In December 2016, South Australia became the fifth state to provide recognition for same-sex marriages performed abroad.[196]
As of December 2016, six Australian jurisdictions (Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory,[197] New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia), comprising 90% of Australia's population, recognise same-sex marriages and civil partnerships performed overseas, providing automatic recognition of such unions in their respective state registers.[198]
Constitutional and legal issues
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/33/Same-sex_marriage_map_Oceania.svg/250px-Same-sex_marriage_map_Oceania.svg.png)
Referral of power and recognition of married and de facto relationships
There is an important difference in the source of power of the Commonwealth to legislate over married and de facto relationships. Marriage and "matrimonial causes" are supported by sections 51(xxi) and (xxii) of the Constitution. The legal status of marriage is also internationally recognised whereas the power to legislate for de facto's and their financial matters relies on referrals by states to the Commonwealth in accordance with Section 51(xxxvii) of the Australian Constitution, where it states the law shall extend only to states by whose Parliaments the matter is referred, or which afterward adopt the law.
Legal status consequences outside of Australia
Thus, same sex or heterosexual, unmarried and also married couples living in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France for example, have the right to choose their own legal status and respective rights and obligations easily, such as to have no community or to have community of property, as an active opt in system at time of first living together. This is in contrast to the Australian de facto and married regimes where all property is in the pool, unless a couple actively opt out with a binding financial contract drawn up by lawyers and they also have to be resident in Australia to do that.
Australian marriage legislation
Marriage Amendment Act 2004
On 27 May 2004, the then federal Attorney-General Philip Ruddock introduced the Marriage Amendment Bill 2004,[199] intending to incorporate the common law definition of marriage into the Marriage Act 1961 and the Family Law Act.[200] In June 2004, the bill passed the House of Representatives and the Senate passed the amendment by 38 votes to 6 on 13 August 2004. The bill subsequently received royal assent, becoming the Marriage Amendment Act 2004.
The amendment specifies the following:
Marriage means the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.
Certain unions are not marriages. A union solemnised in a foreign country between: (a) a man and another man; or (b) a woman and another woman; must not be recognised as a marriage in Australia.[201]
Under section 46 of the Marriage Act, a celebrant or minister is required to say these words, or words to this effect, in every marriage ceremony.[202]
Attorney-General Ruddock and other Liberals argued that the bill was necessary to protect the institution of marriage, by ensuring that the common law definition was put beyond legal challenge.[203]
The Labor shadow Attorney-General Nicola Roxon on the same day the amendment was proposed said that the Labor Opposition would not oppose the amendment, arguing that it did not affect the legal situation of same-sex relationships, merely putting into statute law what was already common law. The Family First senator supported the bill. The bill was also supported by the Nationals.[citation needed]
Despite having support of the major parties the bill was contested by sections of the community, human rights groups and some minor political parties. The Australian Greens opposed the bill, calling it the "Marriage Discrimination Act". The Australian Democrats also opposed the bill. Democrat Senator Andrew Bartlett stated that the legislation devalues his marriage, and Greens Senator Bob Brown referred to John Howard and the legislation as "hateful".[204][205] Brown was asked to retract his statements, but refused. Bob Brown also quoted as Australia having a "straight Australia policy".
Not all of Labor was in support of the bill. During the bill's second reading, Anthony Albanese, Labor MP for Grayndler said, "what has caused offence is why the government has rushed in this legislation in what is possibly the last fortnight of parliamentary sittings. This bill is a result of 30 bigoted backbenchers who want to press buttons out there in the community."[206]
Marriage Equality (Same Sex) Act 2013
On 13 September 2013, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government announced that it would introduce a bill to legalise same-sex marriage, following a decade-long attempt to legislate in the area.[207] "We've been pretty clear on this issue for some time now and there's overwhelming community support for this", Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said. "We would prefer to see the federal parliament legislate for a nationally consistent scheme, but in the absence of this we will act for the people of the ACT. The Marriage Equality Bill 2013 will enable couples who are not able to marry under the Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961 to enter into marriage in the ACT. It will provide for solemnisation, eligibility, dissolution and annulment, regulatory requirements and notice of intention in relation to same-sex marriages."[208] On 10 October 2013, federal Attorney-General George Brandis confirmed that the Commonwealth Government would challenge the proposed ACT bill, stating that the Coalition Government has significant constitutional concerns with respect to the bill.[209] The bill was debated in the ACT Legislative Assembly on 22 October 2013, and passed by 9 votes to 8.[210][211]
Under the legislation, same-sex marriages were legally permitted from 7 December 2013.[212][213][214]
As soon as the ACT act had been passed, the Commonwealth launched a challenge to it in the High Court, which delivered judgment on 12 December 2013.[215][216] As to the relation between the ACT act and federal legislation, the Court found that the ACT act was invalid and of "no effect", because it was "inconsistent", in terms of the Australian Capital Territory Self-Government Act 1988 (Cth), with the federal Marriage Act 1961 (Cth). It was inconsistent both because its definition of marriage conflicted with that in the federal act and because the federal act was exclusive, leaving no room for any other definition in legislation of a state or a territory. However, the Court went on to determine that the word "marriage" in Constitution s51(xxi) includes same-sex marriage, thus clarifying that there is no constitutional impediment to the Commonwealth legislating for same-sex marriage in the future. It can do so by amending the definition of "marriage" in the Marriage Act.
Public opinion
Polling
![]() | This article may contain an excessive amount of intricate detail that may interest only a particular audience.(August 2016) |
A June 2004 poll conducted by Newspoll showed that 38% of respondents supported same-sex marriage, with 44% opposed and 18% undecided.[217][218]
In June 2007, a Galaxy Research poll conducted for advocacy group GetUp! measured the opinions of 1,100 Australians aged 16 and over[219] and found that 57% of respondents supported same-sex marriage, 37% were opposed and 6% were unsure. The poll also found that 71% of respondents supported same-sex couples having the same legal entitlements as opposite-sex de facto couples.[220]
A June 2009 poll conducted by Galaxy Research and commissioned by the Australian Marriage Equality group measured the opinions of 1,100 Australians aged 16 and over and found that 60% of respondents supported the recognition of same-sex marriage, with 36% opposed and 4% undecided.[221] Among Greens voters 82% supported same-sex marriage, whilst 74% of those aged 16–24 supported same-sex marriage. Those aged 50 or above were the only age bracket to oppose same-sex marriage recognition, at a 55% disapproval rate.[221]
An October 2010 poll conducted by Galaxy Research and commissioned by Australian Marriage Equality measured the opinions of 1,050 Australians aged 18 and over and found that 62% of respondents supported the recognition of same-sex marriage, with 33% opposed and 5% undecided.[222] The poll found 78% of respondents supported a conscience vote on the recognition of same-sex marriage, with 16% opposed and 6% undecided. Support was highest amongst those respondents aged 18–24 (84%), and who lived in South Australia (83%). The majority of respondents from each state and each age bracket were in support.
A March 2011 poll conducted by Essential Media found that support for same-sex marriage had fallen below 50% and opposition was up by 4%.[223]
A July 2011 poll of 543 people conducted by Roy Morgan Research measured the support for a number of positions on marriage and found that 68% of Australians support same-sex marriage and 78% classified marriage as a "necessary" institution, with only 22% stating it was an "unnecessary" institution.[224]
A November 2011 Galaxy Research poll, commissioned by the Australian Marriage Equality group, of over 1000 voters found that 80% agreed that Tony Abbott should allow the Liberal/National Coalition a conscience vote on same-same marriage legislation as the Australian Labor Party do. Support for a conscience vote among Coalition supporters reached an all-time high of 76%[225]
In a February 2012 online poll of 1506 Australian adult members on the Nine Rewards website by Angus Reid Public Opinion found that 49% of respondents said same-sex couples should be allowed to legally marry, 31% said they should be allowed to enter into civil unions but not marry and 14% opposed any legal recognition.[226] No attempt was made to make the survey representative of the entire population, and the Nine Rewards website is associated with the Nine Network, an Australian television channel popular with older and more conservative viewers.
From February–April 2012 the House of Representatives conducted an online survey to provide a simple means for the public to voice their views on same-sex marriage and the two bills in the parliament which sought to legalise it, the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2012 and the Marriage Amendment Bill 2012.[227] The survey closed on 20 April, having received approximately 276,000 responses, including about 213,500 comments.[228] Of these responses, 64.3% supported same-sex marriage, or approximately 177,600 of the respondents. The report acknowledged that "The online survey was not a statistically valid, random poll. Respondents were self-selected, in that they chose to participate if they wished." [229]
A May 2013 Ipsos poll found that 54% of respondents were in favour of same-sex marriage and another 20% supported another form of recognition for same-sex couples.[230] Results from the August 2013 Vote Compass survey of Australian voters found that 52% of respondents supported same-sex marriage, 12% were neutral, and 36% believed that marriage "should only be between a man and a woman".[231] A 2015 Vote Compass survey with 20,000 respondents found 53% supported same-sex marriage, 10% neutral and 36% opposed. Support for same-sex marriage was higher among women, people with university degrees and higher incomes, and people under 34.[232]
An August 2013 poll conducted by Fairfax Media and Nielson Polling found that 65% of respondents supported legalising marriage between same-sex couples, up 8 points since December 2011, while only 28% were opposed (down 7 points). Support was greater among women (75%) than men (55%) and greater among younger voters than older voters.[233] 57% of respondents said that same-sex marriage was "not important at all" in deciding how they would vote in the coming election.[234] Even for those supporting same-sex marriage 49% said that the issue was "not important at all" in deciding their vote.[233]
In June 2014, Crosby Textor Group[235] was commissioned by Australian Marriage Equality to poll the public on same-sex marriage. Their survey included the following questions on the common reasons for opposition:[236]
Reason | Agree (%) | Disagree (%) |
---|---|---|
People who choose to be gay know that their choice means they cannot get married | 30% | 58% |
It is fine for same-sex couples to have a ceremony, but it should not be called ‘marriage’ | 30% | 63% |
The recognition of de facto relationships and civil unions is enough; we don’t need same-sex marriage too | 29% | 63% |
Children need both a mother and a father, and legalising same-sex marriage could break that down | 29% | 65% |
The institution is already under threat and should not be further undermined by this | 24% | 67% |
Marriage is only meant to be between a man and a woman, so this is wrong and should not be encouraged | 24% | 69% |
Marriage is a religious institution and no changes should be made to it against the wishes of religious groups | 23% | 70% |
Same-sex marriages could devalue traditional marriages | 22% | 73% |
Allowing same-sex marriage will lead to some people losing their religious freedoms | 16% | 72% |
Allowing same-sex marriage is a slippery slope and could lead to issues like polygamy | 17% | 74% |
A July 2014 poll, commissioned by Australian Marriage Equality and conducted by the [Crosby Textor Group found that 72% of Australians supported legalising same-sex marriage, while only 21% were opposed. A majority of those identifying with major religions supported same-sex marriage, including Catholics, Anglicans and non-Christian religions as did a majority of older Australians aged over 55. Mark Textor stated "This poll definitively puts pay to some of the myths that married couples or those with religious beliefs are against same-sex marriage. It doesn't devalue their marriages or faith, and instead gives everyone equal access to the rights they are accorded". Further, 77% of respondents agreed that Coalition MPs and Senators should be granted a conscience vote on the issue.[237][238] Jim Reed, director of Research and Strategy at the Crosby Textor Group argued in an opinion piece that the poll represented a "seismic shift in public attitudes towards marriage equality."[239]
Also in July 2014 Newscorp's Newspoll recorded a high vote in favour of same-sex marriage, with two-thirds of respondents supporting marriage between same-sex couples.[240]
A June 2015 Fairfax/Ipsos poll found 68% of respondents expressed support to the question Do you support or oppose legalising marriage between same-sex couples? 25% answered that they were opposed and 7% answered 'Don't Know'.[241]
In July 2015, a Sexton research poll was undertaken to determine the most important issues the federal government should focus on. Survey respondents rated same-sex marriage as equal 13th as their prioritisation.[242] The Australian activist group GetUp! polls the views of its members (termed Vision Surveys) to provide guidance for its "top campaign issues". GetUp! members ranked 'Marriage Equality' as campaign issue No. 16, scoring 2.1% of the votes.[243] The Australian reports that recent research has placed doubts on the accuracy of earlier poll claims. The Australian also says there have been 5 Australian polls taken since May 2015 on 'support for same-sex marriage' with the respective results being 68%, 58%, 59%, 59% and 54%.[242]
A Sexton Research survey, commissioned by Marriage Alliance (a group which does not support same-sex marriage) was undertaken in July 2015. The Sexton research has queried the findings of the above June 2014, Crosby Textor Group poll.[242] It was also reported that same-sex marriage was ranked in national importance, by participants, in the Crosby Textor study as 13th priority.[242] Same-sex marriage was rated as 16th in a GetUp! members survey.[243]
In August 2015, Fairfax/Ipsos found SSM support constant at 69% with 25% opposed, although support was much higher among under-25s (88%) than over-55s (55%).[244]
A community survey by Essential Media Communications[245] showed support for same-sex marriage at 60% and support for a parliamentary vote at 22%, with support for a people's vote at 66%[246] and in a Sexton survey of 1,200 people, support for a people's vote was 76%.[247]
In September 2015, an Essential Media Communications poll found 67% of Australians wanted a peoples’ vote (i.e., referendum or plebiscite) to resolve the definition of marriage, with "little change since this question was asked in August".[248] However, in October 2015, another Essential poll found that support for a people's vote on the issue fell to 43% when informed that "a national vote on same-sex marriage would cost around $150 million". 41% favoured a parliamentary vote.[249] The same poll also found that 59% of respondents thought that "same-sex couples should be allowed to marry", 30% of respondents thought that "same-sex couples should not be allowed to marry", whilst 11% answered "do not know".[249]
A March 2016 Essential Media poll found that 64% of respondents agreed that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry, 26% stated they should not be allowed to marry and 11% answered "don't know".[250]
A July 2016 Galaxy Research poll, commissioned by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, found decreasing levels of support for the plebiscite. Asked whether one supported having a plebiscite, 48% of respondents stated they did and 30% stated they did not. This marked a sharp drop in support for the plebiscite when contrasted with a June/July 2016 poll conducted by Fairfax Media and Ipsos, which found 69% approval for the plebiscite. In the Galaxy poll, the pro-plebiscite figure dropped to 35% when respondents were informed the plebiscite was not legally binding and dropped further to 25% when the $160 million expected cost of the plebiscite was raised.[251]
An August 2016 Essential Media poll found that 57% of respondents stated they would vote 'yes' in a plebiscite to the question; "Do you approve of a law to permit people of the same-sex to marry?" A further 28% of respondents stated they would vote 'no' and 15% were unsure.[252]
A poll carried out by the University of Melbourne in September 2016 found that Maranoa, in southwest Queensland, is the only electorate in the country where a majority of voters are opposed to same-sex marriage. The ten electorates most supportive of same-sex marriage are Sydney, Melbourne, Grayndler, Wentworth, Melbourne Ports, Wills, Gellibrand, Batman, Higgins and Brisbane. Less than 10% in Sydney and Melbourne are opposed to allowing same-sex couples to wed.[253]
Community debate
Religious and lobby groups
Some Australian Aboriginal communities support retaining the existing definition of marriage[254]
An Australian National University election survey conducted in June 2015 showed that 41 to 45% of Catholic, Anglican, Uniting Church or Presbyterian, voters support same-sex marriage.[255] The same survey showed that same-sex marriage was supported by 15% of Muslim voters.[256][257] The federal electorate of Reid has a large Muslim population, "implacably opposed to marriage being redefined and same-sex marriage made legal."[258] Australian Islamists are also strongly opposed.[259] The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils does not support same-sex marriage.[260] Of notable Australian Muslims, Ed Husic supports same-sex marriage,[261] Waleed Aly is said to support same-sex marriage[262] and Keysar Trad does not support same-sex marriage.[263]
In December 2013, Australian Marriage Equality (AME) criticised the tactics of the Australian marriage equality lobby group Equal Love as "counterproductive and unrepresentative" to the movement.[264][265] A committee member for Equal Love said that AME had launched an "unsubtle attack" and defended their tactics, stating "a visual display of community outrage over the issue emboldens those who want change"[266] There have also been differences in campaigning-strategies between AME and Community Action Against Homophobia in their respective lobbying tactics for marriage equality.[267]
Views of public and corporate figures
In May 2015, Radio broadcaster Alan Jones commented on the push to legalise same-sex marriage saying, "my view is that when people find love they should be able to celebrate it. And they shouldn't be discriminated against according to the nature of that love. To deny people the recognition for a relationship which is based on love is to deny in my opinion one of humankind's most basic, but as I said elusive, qualities. Let the Parliament vote. It makes the laws of the land... we shouldn't be frightened about celebrating the love of one person for another."[268] Prime Minister Abbott said "I deeply respect his views and I’m confident that he would respect mine, he would respect my sister’s, he would respect Bill Shorten’s and Tanya Plibersek’s and Warren Entsch’s, and that’s what we need – we need to see mutual respect of all the different views on this debate because as I said, decent people can differ on this subject."[269]
Also in May 2015, a number of large companies took out a full page ad in The Australian declaring support for marriage equality, including Westpac, St.George, ANZ, the Commonwealth Bank, BT Financial, Bankwest, Telstra, Optus, Qantas, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Foxtel and Google.[270] With the SBS logo featuring in that full-page newspaper advertisement, a Senate Committee hearing asked why does SBS as a public broadcaster, involve themselves in this political campaign. Managing Director Michael Ebeid, defended SBS saying he did not believe, "same-sex marriage is a political issue" and that "we are an organisation that does everything we can to support equality".[271] Politicians also noted that SBS had pulled an anti-marriage equality ad ahead of its telecast of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.[272] The Australian Football League and National Rugby League have declared support for same-sex marriage.[273]
In August 2015, former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, in office from 2010 to 2013, announced a personal reversal of opinion on same-sex marriage, now in favour of it. Ms Gillard also criticised the proposal for a plebiscite or referendum.[274]
In July 2015, Senators Penny Wong and Cory Bernardi debated same-sex marriage at the National Press Club, using most of the common arguments for and against same-sex marriage.[275][276][277] Wong referred to Obergefell v. Hodges and the Irish referendum, and argued that the children of LGBT parents in Australia would benefit from their parents being able to marry. Wong said she would not support multi-member relationships. Bernardi argued that religious liberty, freedom of expression and children's rights would be curtailed if same-sex marriage was enacted.
Former ABC Director and Chairman, Maurice Newman commented in September 2015 on the merits of a plebiscite; "people of various faiths have been taught throughout history that marriage is between a man and a woman. Now these beliefs are pushed by the media as hateful and backward, and those who hold them are bigots. Who knew? There’s a lot of unlearning to be done.... Surely from time to time, on matters of deep social significance, there is much to be said for a plebiscite. A popular mandate will provide an endorsement that parliaments can’t provide".[278]
In July 2015, Guy Rundle Crikey's writer-at-large said, "Same-sex marriage is absurd.... If Labor has nothing more progressive to offer than same-sex marriage, there is nothing left."[279] In October 2015, Simon Copland wrote in the LGBT magazine Star Observer: "After years of failure... I suspect we may not see marriage equality for a long time yet."[280]
In April 2016, Telstra pulled out of actively supporting same-sex marriage, however this decision was reversed less than a week later following public outcry.[281][282]
In March 2017, 20 of Australia's most prominent CEO's of high-profile companies signed an open letter to Prime Minister Turnbull calling on the government to promptly legislate for same-sex marriage in the federal parliament. The letter prompted a vociferous objection from Immigration Minister Peter Dutton who said company executives should "stick to [their] knitting" and not "bully" the government into changing policies.[283]
Local government
In June 2016, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) approved a motion supporting the legalisation of same-sex marriage. The motion was put forward by Lord Mayor of Darwin Katrina Fong Lim and Meghan Hopper, a member of the Council of Moreland. It was approved by a strong majority at ALGA's National General Assembly.[284][285][286] The motion reads the following:[284]
That this National General Assembly call on the Federal Government to treat with dignity and respect all members of the community regardless of gender or sexuality by supporting changes to the Marriage Act to achieve marriage equality for same-sex couples.
The motion will now have to go before the ALGA's board for approval before it becomes the organisation’s official policy.[284]
As of March 2017, of the 546 local governments (also known as "councils" or "shires") in Australia, a total of 43 are known to have passed formal motions in support of the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Most of the 43 are urban councils.
Those local governments are:[287][288]
- City of Sydney,[289] City of Greater Geelong,[290] City of Hobart,[291] City of Moreland,[292] City of Vincent, Camden Council, City of Hawkesbury,[293] Coonamble Shire, City of Randwick, Tenterfield Shire, Inner West Council,[294] Lachlan Shire, Bega Valley Shire, City of Blue Mountains, Surf Coast Shire, Shire of Hepburn,[295] City of Lismore,[296] City of Albury,[297] City of Ballarat,[298] City of Wodonga,[299] City of Glenorchy,[300] Byron Shire,[301] City of Port Phillip, City of Glen Eira,[302] City of Hobsons Bay,[303] City of Darebin, Shire of Buloke,[304] City of Greater Shepparton, City of Maribyrnong, Central Coast Council, Kingborough Council,[305] Shire of Strathbogie,[306] Richmond Valley Council, City of Melbourne,[307] City of Banyule,[308] City of Yarra,[309] Shire of Indigo,[310] Town of Port Hedland,[311] City of Darwin,[312] City of Brisbane,[313] City of Lake Macquarie,[314][315] City of Shoalhaven[316][317] and City of Monash.[318]
No other local governments are considering a motion to support same-sex marriage.
At least two local government have rejected motions to support same-sex marriage:
Parenting
- Adoption
Adoption by same-sex couples is legal within all jurisdictions within Australia, with the exception of the Northern Territory. Debate regarding religious exemptions for faith-based adoption agencies occurred during Victoria's legalisation of same-sex adoption in December 2015.[321] New South Wales and Victoria include such exemptions in their adoption laws.
Altruistic surrogacy is legal for same-sex couples in all jurisdictions within Australia, with the exception of Western Australia, which restricts this service to opposite-sex couples. Some have suggested such restrictions create an inequality for gay couples wanting children.[322] Commercial surrogacy is illegal nationwide in Australia for all couples, though some same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples employ the services of a surrogate in foreign countries.[323][324][325][326] In Australia, the TV drama House Husbands which brings, "the idea of gay relationships, gay marriage and surrogacy, to the forefront" has used altruistic surrogacy for a gay couple as a storyline.[327][328] Debate is continuing into commercial surrogacy in Australia to help gay men start a family in a safe and regulated industry.[329][330] Ethical issues associated with same-sex surrogacy, including the linkage between the child and its biological parent, are being discussed and debated.[331][332][333]
- Children
Various international studies have been carried out on LGBT parenting, and organisations including the Australian Institute of Family Studies have commissioned systematic reviews to assess the methodology of individual studies, and evaluate the conclusions of each of the (child-focussed) studies. Such studies have found that "research to date considerably challenges the point of view that same-sex parented families are harmful to children. Children in such families do as well emotionally, socially and educationally as their peers from heterosexual couple families."[334][335][336] Maya Newell produced the documentary Gayby Baby, looking at children in same-sex relationships,[337][338] with the film marketed as "stirring" political debate on same-sex marriage.[339]
Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett stated in 2011 "happy heterosexual marriages are the best environment for the mental health of children".[340] Conjecture regarding his status in charity organisation beyondblue followed,[341][342] though his views on same-sex parenting quickly reversed.[343] In May 2012, Kennett announced he supported a change in the federal Marriage Act to legalise same-sex marriage.[344] In March 2016, following a vigorous parliamentary debate on the merits of the federally funded Safe Schools program in schools, Kennett penned his most passionate defence of same-sex marriage and LGBTI rights yet, arguing "why should we deny those who love each other, regardless of their sex, the right to marry?" and "...ending discrimination against those of the same sex marrying fits into this broader campaign" of anti-discrimination and anti-bullying.[345]
Free expression and religious liberty
Queensland General Practitioner David van Gend has said on the Australian Marriage Forum website that same-sex parenting will create a stolen generation.[346][347][348] Julia Gillard has sought legal advice for van Gend using her remarks about forced adoption in political advertising in April[349] and again in August 2015.[350][351] TV channels that ran his ads, in March 2015, during the Sydney Mardi Gras were widely criticised on social media,[352][353] and the Advertising Standards Bureau received "a large number of complaints" but cannot adjudicate over political advertising.[354][355]
Following another TV advertisement screened in August 2015 by van Gend's organisation, Foxtel were "bombarded" with threats of subscription cancellations from customers,[356][357] and multiple radio and TV networks declined ads from van Gend, with NOVA Entertainment saying the ads don't fit with their youthful brand.[357] The Australian Communications and Media Authority subsequently found that the advertisement was not in breach of the television codes of practice.[358][359]
An August 2015 episode of Media Watch argued that "both sides of the debate have an equal right to be heard".[357] In relation to attempts to suppress the second TV advertisement mentioned above, host Paul Barry said, "Whatever happened to freedom of speech? And was the ad really so offensive?... All pretty mild, surely?... The ad in fact makes hardly any claims at all and in my opinion to say it’s inviting hate is ridiculous".[357]
In many Australian public schools, discussion of controversial issues must be for educational purposes only.[360] The Safe Schools Coalition is a taxpayer funded initiative that is marketed as reducing bullying of LGBT students in schools, and while they have been told by government to "stay silent" on same-sex marriage[361] they encourage students to express their support for same-sex marriage in school assignments and at political rallies,[362] and to organise guest speakers talking on subjects such as, "why we support equal marriage."[363]
In 2015, Tasmanian Archbishop Julius Porteous distributed a booklet outlining the Catholic Church's position on marriage, titled "Don't mess with Marriage".[364] It encouraged parents to lobby parliamentarians against same-sex marriage. An application was made by a Hobart transgender activist and Greens candidate to Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Commission over the booklet.[365][366] John Roskam, writing in the Australian Financial Review has said, "A vote in a plebiscite or referendum, in which one side is not allowed to present its case, is not a legitimate vote. That's why both supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage should be concerned by the complaint against Archbishop Porteous and the Catholic Church. Freedom of speech is fundamental to liberal democracy. Freedom of speech confers legitimacy on political outcomes".[367] The Anti-Discrimination Commission subsequently upheld the complaint.[368] Senator Eric Abetz said that the church’s right to "teach its flock" its beliefs on marriage were being "shut down".[369] Janet Albrechtsen, writing in The Australian says, "This is not one of those thorny cases of conflicting rights where you have to come down on one side or another. It’s not a case of either supporting same-sex marriage or supporting free speech. Here you have the luxury of both. This is not about defending the Catholic bishops. The real issue is the emergence of yet another orthodoxy that is strangling free speech".[370]
Christian organisations have said that non-discrimination laws should not be allowed to limit freedom of religion, and have argued for new laws to enshrine a right to discriminate against same-sex couples.[371][372] ACT Attorney-General, Simon Corbell has said, in the ACT, it will be, "unlawful for those who provide goods, services and facilities in the wedding industry to discriminate against another person on the basis of their sexuality or their relationship status. This includes discrimination by refusing to provide or make available those goods, services or facilities."[373] Tim Wilson has argued that religious anti-discrimination exemptions should be included in same-sex marriage laws.[371][374] Others though, such as Australian lawyer and associate director and research fellow in the Public Interest Law Centre at New York University School of Law, David Glasgow, have argued that the core of this religious freedom campaign is simply desiring "the liberty to refuse service" to particular customers. Glasgow contends that Australian anti-discrimination law includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected attributes akin to race or religion "because we recognise that those attributes should not impede a person's participation in civic life" and that "the law insists, rightly, that to reap the benefits of opening a business to the public, the business must be open on equal terms."[375] Some are concerned that allowing religious business owners and service providers to right to refuse to provide services related to same-sex weddings/ceremonies (i.e.: wedding cakes and/or flowers) might lead to further exemptions not related to same-sex marriages but rather anything to do with homosexuality.[375] Others have lamented the fact that, increasingly, much of the religious-based opposition to same-sex marriage has lost touch with the secular reality governing Australian laws and legal principles.[376]
Opponents of same-sex marriage say they have faced attempts to limit freedom of speech. Joe de Bruyn has argued against Labor using a binding vote on the issue.[377] David van Gend's business was graffitied, which included the word "bigot".[378] A university student union called for the cancellation of a lecture, the subject of which was "assumed" to include opposition to marriage equality.[379] At another university when it hosted "an evening with 'Traditional Marriage Champion' Dr. Ryan Anderson PhD" the student union leader said, "because we're a publicly funded university, we have a responsibility to be politically correct and this is not politically correct".[380] The online 'star ratings' and reviews of an international hotel were targeted,[381] however that campaign rebounded.[382] Wendy Francis has said she received "abusive phone calls and emails" in 2012.[383] Lyle Shelton says that he dislikes Bernard Keane calling him a "nauseating piece of filth" on Twitter,[384] and that criticism of a Q&A guest amounts to "vicious attacks".[385] Other issues have included threatening legal action,[365][386] refusing advertisements.[387] Roman Catholic bishop Anthony Fisher and columnist Paul Kelly have claimed that if same-sex marriage becomes law, there would be concern for future freedom of speech.[388][389]
In March 2016, Labor leader Bill Shorten committed that the party would oppose any effort to extend discrimination law exemptions to allow people who object to same-sex marriage to deny goods and services to same-sex couples.[390]
Transgender and intersex issues
In the 2001 case Re Kevin – validity of marriage of transsexual, the Family Court of Australia recognised the right of transsexual people to marry according to their current gender as opposed to the gender of their birth; this did not permit same-sex marriage from the perspective of the genders the couple identifies as, but it did mean that a male-to-female transsexual could legally marry a man, and a female-to-male transsexual could legally marry a woman.[391]
In October 2007, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal overturned a decision by the Foreign Affairs Department refusing to issue a transgender woman a passport listing her as female because she is married to a woman. The tribunal ordered that she be issued a passport listing her as female, in accordance with her other official documents, thereby recognising the existence of a marriage between two persons who are legally recognised as female.[392] Marriage equality advocates have noted that where same-sex marriage legislation is unclear on the rights of transgender or intersex people (such as in NSW in 2013),[393] they have asked to ensure that any such legislation delivers marriage equality for all Australians.[394] with intersex people being skeptical of the term same-sex marriage.[395] The concurrent requirement, same-sex divorce law, is being discussed. Transgender divorce represents one challenge.[396]
The 2015 winner of Australia's GLBTI Person of the Year, transgender advocate, Sally Goldner supports same-sex marriage, as "we're supposed to be about equality and equity" but says same-sex marriage has become a "bottleneck" that has prevented the airing of other LGBTI issues such as more recognition of "diversity within diversity."[397]
See also
- Australian family law
- Family Court of Australia
- Freedom of religion
- Gender
- LGBT rights in Australia
- Marriage in Australia
- Sexual orientation
External links
- Parliament of Australia – Same-sex marriage: issues for the 44th Parliament – publication detailing the same-sex marriage issue in Australia and recent developments
References
- ^ a b "Marriage Amendment Act 2004". comlaw.gov.au.
- ^ Laine Sainty (12 September 2016). "Here's the 21 marriage bills introduced since 2004, by mover/date". Buzzfeed News. Twitter.
- ^ "MARRIAGE EQUALITY (SAME SEX) ACT 2013".
- ^ "The Commonwealth v Australian Capital Territory [2013] HCA 55".
- ^ a b Francis Keany (7 November 2016). "Same-sex marriage plebiscite bill blocked by Senate". ABC News.
- ^ Chris Uhlmann and Jane Norman (27 July 2015). "Labor Party agrees to maintain conscience vote on same-sex marriage for next two terms of government". ABC News.
- ^ "Family Law Act 1975 - Sect. 4AA". austlii.edu.au.
- ^ "De facto Relationships". Family Court of Australia.
- ^ "De facto Relationships". The Law Society of New South Wales.
- ^ "Same Sex: Same Entitlements". humanrights.gov.au.
- ^ "Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws—General Law Reform Act 2008 (Cth)". ComLaw. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
- ^ "Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws—Superannuation) Act 2008 (Cth)". ComLaw. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
- ^ "Government removes same-sex discrimination". Fairfax Media. The Sydney Morning Herald. 24 November 2008.
- ^ "NSW bill is about marriage, just not equality". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth)". ComLaw. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
- ^ Australian Parliament website
- ^ HREOC Same-sex same entitlements Report
- ^ "Same Sex: Same Entitlements". humanrights.gov.au.
- ^ "How well does Australian democracy serve sexual and gender minorities?", Democratic audit of Australia, ANU School of Social Science report No. 9, 2003 p. 19 [1]
- ^ Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission: Same-Sex: Same Entitlements Report
- ^ "Married or De Facto – What's the difference?". Coleman Grieg Lawyers. 21 August 2012.
- ^ a b c "Same sex marriage – de facto v matrimonial – what is all the fuss about?". bnlaw.com.au. 4 June 2015.
- ^ "Same-sex marriage and the law". Videos: The Sydney Morning Herald. 22 January 2017.
- ^ "De facto couples have differences to married counterparts, judge says". The Australian. 23 April 2014.
- ^ "Assembly passes civil unions reforms".
- ^ "ACT legislation register - Civil Unions Act 2012 - main page". act.gov.au.
- ^ "Civil Unions". ACT Government: Justice and Community Safety Division. 25 February 2014. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
- ^ DISCRIMINATION LAW AMENDMENT ACT 2002
- ^ Burke, Gail (3 November 2016). "Adoption laws in Queensland changed to allow same-sex couples to become parents". ABC News. Sydney. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
- ^ (1 December 2011) Kym Agius. Queensland civil unions bill passes. Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
- ^ "Civil Partnerships and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012" (PDF). Queensland Parliament. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
- ^ a b The Honourable Yvette D'Ath (3 December 2015). "Civil partnership ceremonies restored in Queensland". The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory. Queensland Government.
- ^ "Civil unions recommence in Qld from April". AAP. 9 News. 18 March 2016.
- ^ NSW Relationship Register passed, Sydney Star Observer
- ^ "Relationships Register Bill 2010". nsw.gov.au.
- ^ "Miscellaneous Acts Amendment (Same Sex Relationships) Bill 2008". Parliament of New South Wales. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
- ^ "Miscellaneous Acts Amendment (Same Sex Relationships) Bill 2008". NSW Legislation. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
- ^ "Parenting reforms welcomed". SX News. 11 June 2008. Retrieved 11 June 2008.
- ^ Farrow, Lauren (14 November 2013). "NSW same-sex bill defeated tears in parly". The Australian. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
- ^ "NSW MP continues defence of marriage". Catholic Leader. 10 November 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
- ^ "RELATIONSHIPS ACT 2008 (NO. 12 OF 2008)". austlii.edu.au.
- ^ "Amended Relationships Act enables recognition of international relationships in Victoria". Star Observer. 12 February 2016.
- ^ "Statute Law Amendment (Relationships) Act 2001" (PDF).
- ^ "Statute Law Further Amendment (Relationships) Act 2001" (PDF).
- ^ Same sex relationships, Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission Archived 30 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS (EQUAL TREATMENT IN COMMONWEALTH LAWS-GENERAL LAW REFORM) ACT 2008 (NO. 144, 2008)". Austlii.edu.au. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 27 February 2009. Retrieved 30 March 2009.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ CITY OF SYDNEY RELATIONSHIPS DECLARATION PROGRAM
- ^ Relationship Declaration Register City of Melbourne
- ^ "Yarra Council - Relationship Declaration Register".
- ^ WOOLLAHRA TO GET SAME-SEX REGISTER
- ^ Day, Clear Blue. "Blue Mountains City Council - Relationship Declaration". Archived from the original on 1 February 2016.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "City of Vincent : Relationship Declaration Register".
- ^ "Relationship Declaration Register » Town of Port Hedland".
- ^ "STATUTES AMENDMENT (DOMESTIC PARTNERS) ACT 2006 (NO 43 OF 2006)". South Australian Numbered Acts. Retrieved 3 September 2007.
- ^ "Statutes Amendment (Domestic Partners) Act 2006". Government of South Australian Attorney-General's Department. Retrieved 3 September 2007.
- ^ "Southern Australia Approves Domestic Partners Legislation; Gay Rights Advocates Celebrate". GayWired.com. Archived from the original on 8 February 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-01.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Southern Australia Approves Domestic Partners Legislation; Gay Rights Advocates Celebrate". gaywired.com. Archived from the original on 8 February 2008. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Votes on Homosexual Issues". South Australia, Australia, House of Assembly. Archived from the original on 7 June 2007. Retrieved 3 September 2007.
- ^ "SA Upper House passes bill for same-sex rights (Thursday, December 7, 2006. 6:49pm (AEDT))". ABC News Online. Retrieved 3 September 2007.
- ^ "South Australia gays get new rights by Tony Grew (7 December 2006)". pinknews.com.au. Archived from the original on 21 December 2009. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Births Deaths and Marriages : Relationships". justice.tas.gov.au.
- ^ "Partners Task Force - Tasmania: Relationships Act". buddybuddy.com.
- ^ "Upper-house endorses same-sex amendment". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 29 September 2010. Retrieved 29 September 2010.
- ^ Harrison, Dan (31 August 2012). "Tasmania's gay marriage bill clears first hurdle". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
- ^ "Tasmania's Upper House votes down gay marriage". ABC. 28 September 2012. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
- ^ Smiley, Stephen (26 November 2013). "Tasmanian Upper House MPs reject bid to revive debate on same-sex marriage". ABC. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
- ^ LAW REFORM (GENDER, SEXUALITY AND DE FACTO RELATIONSHIPS) ACT 2003 Archived 22 December 2009 at WebCite
- ^ Acts Amendment (Lesbian and Gay Law Reform) Act 2002 Archived 22 December 2009 at WebCite
- ^ "MARRIAGE ACT 1961 - SECT 5 Interpretation". austlii.edu.au.
- ^ "MARRIAGE ACT 1961 - SECT 88EA Certain unions are not marriages". austlii.edu.au.
- ^ "Howard to ban gay marriages". The Age. 27 May 2004.
- ^ a b "PM targets gays in marriage law". Sydney Morning Herald. AAP. 27 May 2004.
- ^ Benjamin Riley (5 May 2014). "Same-sex couple included in overseas adoption agreement for the first time". Star Observer.
- ^ "Today marks 10 years of Australia's same-sex marriage ban". Same Same. 13 August 2014.
- ^ "Marriage Amendment Act 2004". ComLaw.
- ^ "Chronology of same-sex marriage bills introduced into the federal parliament: a quick guide". Parliament of Australia Parliamentary Library. 25 August 2015.
- ^ Stephanie Anderson (6 March 2016). "Same-sex marriage: Federal Government to hold plebiscite by year's end if re-elected". ABC News.
- ^ a b Ltd, Australian News Channel Pty. "Page Not Found".
{{cite web}}
: Cite uses generic title (help) - ^ Michael Koziol (3 July 2016). "Election 2016: Same-sex marriage plebiscite hanging by a thread". Fairfax Media. The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "Lower House votes down same-sex marriage bill". ABC News.
- ^ "Australian Senate votes down same-sex marriage bill". ABC News.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Cullen, Simon (19 September 2012). "Lower House votes down same-sex marriage bill". ABC News. Retrieved 19 September 2012.
- ^ "Same-sex marriage question settled for some time, says Kevin Andrews'". The Australian. 7 October 2012. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
- ^ Crowe, David (22 October 2015). "Gay marriage clash looms". The Australian. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
- ^ Bourke, Latika (22 October 2015). "Coalition same-sex marriage plan an ambush and thought bubble: Eric Abetz". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 16 January 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
- ^ Anna Henderson (13 August 2015). "Same-sex marriage: 'Strong disposition' to put decision to popular vote, Tony Abbott says". ABC News.
- ^ a b "Legislative Overview: Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016". Parliament of Australia. 14 September 2016.
- ^ "Australian same-sex marriage plebiscite to be held on February 11, 2017 with support of parliament". News.com.au. 13 September 2016.
- ^ "Same-sex marriage: Labor to formally block plebiscite legislation". ABC News. 11 October 2016.
- ^ Lane Sainty (20 October 2016). "The Marriage Equality Plebiscite Bill Has Passed The House Of Representatives". BuzzFeed News.
- ^ Paul Karp (7 November 2016). "Marriage equality plebiscite bill voted down in Senate". Guardian.
- ^ "No other plan to legalise gay marriage: PM". SBS News. 11 November 2016.
- ^ "Report on the Commonwealth Government's Exposure Draft of the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill" (PDF). Australian Senate. Select Committee on the Exposure Draft of the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill. 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Government MPs working to bring same-sex marriage policy to a head over next fortnight". The Age. 4 February 2017.
- ^ "Malcolm Turnbull will stick with marriage equality plebiscite if leadership challenge successful - Star Observer".
- ^ Massola, James (3 November 2015). "Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop lends support to same-sex marriage".
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Nick Evershed. "Can same-sex marriage pass the House of Representatives? Voting interactive". the Guardian.
- ^ a b "Momentum building for vote on same-sex marriage". Herald Sun. 28 May 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Huge spike in Labor MPs' support for same-sex marriage". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ a b c "Calls for Liberal same-sex marriage supporters to resign 'not helpful', Christopher Pyne says". ABC News.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Marriage Equality Would Easily Pass If Politicians Would Just Vote On It".
- ^ "Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announces support for same-sex marriage, backs plebiscite". ABC News. 2 November 2015.
- ^ "Chris Bowen drops opposition to same-sex marriage". Sydney Morning Herald. 3 May 2015.
- ^ "Tony Burke: Statement - 24 May 2015". TonyBurke.com.au. 24 May 2015.
- ^ "Burney farewells parliament, calls for recognition of Aboriginal history". The Sydney Morning Herald. 4 May 2016.
[Burney] also described same sex marriage as "inevitable" and said she would continue to lobby for that cause in federal parliament.
- ^ Terri Butler (4 February 2014). "Only Labor in Griffith is a true friend of the LGBTI community". Star Observer.
- ^ "Jim Chalmers MP: Transcript: RN Drive With Patricia Karveles". jimchalmers.org. 15 March 2016.
Jim Chalmers: Look, I'm a big supporter of marriage equality, Patricia. I think, like a lot of people who support marriage equality.
- ^ Sabra Lane & Lucy Barbour (9 June 2015). "Darren Chester first National MP to announce support for same-sex marriage". ABC News.
- ^ Anthony Radford (21 May 2013). "Chesters supports gay marriage". Bendigo Weekly.
- ^ Sharon Claydon (25 June 2013). "Why it's time we said 'I Do' support equality". Newcastle Herald.
- ^ "Statement on Same Sex Marriage". Homepage David Coleman. 15 August 2015.
- ^ "Candidates divided over same sex marriage". ABC News. 20 August 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f Where your MP stands on Marriage Equality for Victoria
- ^ Potts, Andrew (25 May 2013). "Labor MP changes mind on marriage as Sydney marches for equality". Gay Star News. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
- ^ a b Where your MP stands on Marriage Equality Queensland
- ^ Tory Shephard (30 December 2013). "Federal same-sex marriage vote expected in 2014, Coalition MP Warren Entsch says". Adelaide Advertiser.
- ^ "Federal election: Gay Brisbane candidate 'hypocritical on marriage equality'". Brisbane Times. 25 June 2016.
Evans: I am in favour of it (same-sex marriage) and I expect to see marriage equality achieved in the next term of Parliament with the full support of Malcolm Turnbull.
- ^ "Media Release: Advocates Welcome David Feeney's Pledge to Vote for Marriage Equality". australianmarriageequality.org.
- ^ "Sarah Hanson-Young sets the date for Senate marriage equality debate". Daily Life (Fairfax). 26 May 2015.
- ^ "Abbott government rising star Josh Frydenberg reveals switch on gay marriage position". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ Theodora Maios (15 September 2015). "Georganas sets out his stall". Neos Kosmos. Archived from the original on 13 July 2016.
On same-sex marriage, Georganas is supportive of his party's standpoint. Labor's position, as already stated by Bill Shorten, is that the ALP will legislate for marriage equality.
- ^ Australian Marriage Equality. "Where your MP stands on Marriage Equality". australianmarriageequality.org.
- ^ Candidates face the public in Darwin election forum "I am open to allow loving couples that want to make a commitment to be respected in that way."
- ^ Quinn backs gay marriage Labor’s Tim Hammond says “I support marriage equality full stop”.
- ^ "Liberal MP Sarah Henderson backs same-sex marriage". Geelong Advertiser. 1 June 2015.
- ^ "Election night victories for three gay Liberals". Same Same. 3 July 2016.
Congrats to Julian Hill, who is the new Labor member in the Victorian seat of Bruce. Hill...was the first Rainbow Labor member preselected for a Labor-held House of Representatives seat.
- ^ Peta Donald & Eliza Borello (11 June 2015). "Third Nationals MP supports gay marriage on condition churches not forced to marry same-sex couples". ABC News.
- ^ Neil Walker (24 August 2015). "Hunt converts to same-sex marriage cause". MP News.
- ^ James Massola (4 May 2015). "Support for same-sex marriage grows in the ALP as MP Ed Husic switches position". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
- ^ a b c Australian Marriage Equality. "Where your MP stands on Marriage Equality for Western Australia". australianmarriageequality.org.
- ^ Stephen Dziedzic (10 October 2016). "Same-sex marriage: Labor MP Susan Lamb makes emotional call for legislation in maiden speech". ABC News.
- ^ Andrew Leigh (13 February 2012). "Same-Sex Marriage". andrewleigh.com.
- ^ a b c d Where your MP stands on Marriage Equality for New South Wales
- ^ "Cathy McGowan: Positions on other issues". cathymcgowan.com.au. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
- ^ Andrew Potts. "Australia's Parliament is now only five declared votes short of passing gay marriage". Gay Star News. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
- ^ Australian Marriage Equality. "Where your MP stands on Marriage Equality". australianmarriageequality.org.
- ^ "Kelly states her position on Same Sex Marriage". kellyodwyer.com.au.
- ^ Australian Marriage Equality. "Where your MP stands on Marriage Equality". australianmarriageequality.org.
- ^ "The Fact My Daughter Can't Marry Is Unacceptable In 2016". Huffington Post Australia. 13 October 2016.
Cathy O'Toole: As long as I have breath in my body I will fight for marriage equality so that my daughter and the many other LGBTI people in our communities can have the joy of marrying the person that they love.
- ^ "Western Sydney Labor MPs set to change vote to support same-sex marriage in Parliament". ABC News.
- ^ Australian Marriage Equality. "Where your MP stands on Marriage Equality". australianmarriageequality.org.
- ^ Vesey, Harrison (14 October 2016). "Rowland supports marriage equality".
- ^ "Policy Principles - Nick Xenophon Team". NXT.org.au.
- ^ Judith Ireland (20 May 2015). "Same-sex marriage a handful of votes away from passing Parliament: analysis". Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ Senator Matt Thistlethwaite - Same Sex Marriage. YouTube. 19 September 2012.
- ^ "Turnbull's gay marriage support opens door for other Coalition MPs". Australian Marriage Equality. 6 December 2011.
- ^ "Wallace takes wig off Fisher". Uni Poll Watch. 24 May 2016.
- ^ Tim Watts. "Tim Watts MP: Marriage Equality". timwatts.net.au.
- ^ Josh Wilson for Fremantle shared Bill Shorten MP's post. It's time to make marriage equality a reality.
- ^ "Tim Wilson, former Human Rights Commissioner, wins Liberal preselection in seat of Goldstein". ABC News. 19 May 2016.
A four-page pamphlet emphasising Mr Wilson's support for gay marriage, same-sex adoption and the Safe Schools anti-bullying program was sent to all preselectors.
- ^ "Jason Wood MP: Statement on Same-Sex Marriage Referendum/Plebiscite". 12 August 2015.
- ^ Cec Busby (6 December 2015). "Trent Zimmerman becomes first opn key gay member of the House of Reps". Gay News Network.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Cullen, Simon (20 September 2012). "Senate votes down same-sex marriage bill". ABC News. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
- ^ "Labor Senator Catryna Bilyk switches support to marriage equality". OutInPerth. 27 February 2016.
- ^ Karvelas, Patricia (12 November 2010). "Liberal senator backs gay marriage". The Australian.
- ^ "Gay marriage plebiscite this year: Brandis". News Corp. News.com.au. 6 March 2016.
[Brandis] says he is in favour of gay marriage. "Treating gay people equally is I think, one of the fundamental values of modern Australian society.
- ^ a b "Where Your MP Stands on Marriage Equality: Federal Senators for Queensland". Australian Marriage Equality. 2 July 2016.
- ^ "Same-sex marriage gets state Labor support". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "Same-sex marriage: Labor senator Sam Dastyari calls 'bullshit' on Government's plan for public vote". ABC News.
- ^ "Dodson elected WA's newest Senator". ABC News. 28 April 2016.
[Dodson] expressed his support for same-sex marriage, saying no one should be discriminated against.
- ^ "Same-sex marriage will return to political agenda: Gallagher". Canberra Times.
- ^ a b "Marriage Equality". NXT.org.au. Nick Xenophon Team. 2 July 2016.
- ^ "Derryn Hinch: I changed my mind". Same Same. 4 January 2012.
- ^ "New senator David Leyonhjelm urges libertarian MPs to 'come out of the closet' and support same-sex marriage". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "Sue Lines voted very strongly for same-sex marriage equality". theyvoteforyou.org.au.
- ^ Daniel Hurst. "Denying marriage to same sex couples is like restricting 'senator' title, MP says". the Guardian.
- ^ "ALP national president Jenny McAllister poised to start Senate role". Sydney Morning Herald. 10 May 2015.
- ^ "Re-elected Labor President says yes to gays, no to uranium". The Australian. 26 November 2011.
- ^ "Where Your MP Stands on Marriage Equality: Federal Senators for the Northern Territory". Australian Marriage Equality. 2 July 2016.
- ^ Nick McKim (27 June 2015). "US Supreme Court Ruling on Marriage Equality Increases Pressure on Australia". Tasmanian Greens.
- ^ "Surly public servant gets smacked by Senator-elect James Paterson". Catallaxy Files. 8 March 2016.
I'm agnostic. I support same-sex marriage provided that people's religious liberty and freedom conscience is protected.
- ^ Madonna King (19 December 2015). "Meet Marise Payne, Australia's first female defence minister". The Sydney Morning Herald.
Payne's support for gay marriage, a woman's right to choose, the republic and her criticism of aspects of the party's terrorism laws and asylum seeker policy didn't exactly endear her to certain personalities.
- ^ Matthew Knott (9 July 2016). "Australian federal election 2016: Labor's Louise Pratt to return to Parliament, One Nation surges". The Sydney Morning Herald.
Labor's Louise Pratt, a leading champion of same-sex marriage, is set to return to Parliament despite being placed in the difficult fourth spot on the party's West Australian Senate ballot paper.
- ^ "Same-sex marriage: Conservative Coalition members intend to use party and parliamentary processes to kill off attempt at change". ABC News.
- ^ Stephanie Anderson (6 February 2015). "I still love her, we can stay married: The Senator and her transgender wife". SBS. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
- ^ "Minister Scullion backs same-sex marriage". SBS. 10 June 2015.
- ^ Australian Marriage Equality. "Where your MP stands on Marriage Equality". australianmarriageequality.org.
- ^ Dan Conifer (29 April 2015). "Liberal senator Arthur Sinodinos calls on party to allow conscience vote on same-sex marriage". ABC News. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
- ^ Busby, Cec (24 October 2016). "Liberal Senator calls for free vote on marriage equality". Gay News Network.
- ^ James Massola (5 May 2015). "Huge spike in Labor MP's support for same-sex marriage". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
- ^ "COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA CONSTITUTION ACT - SECT 51 Legislative powers of the Parliament [see Notes 10 and 11]". austlii.edu.au. Archived from the original on 11 April 2009.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b "Fact file: High Court decision on ACT same-sex marriage laws". ABC News.
- ^ Media release report clears way for NSW same-sex marriage law
- ^ Tas. Law Reform Institute report on same-sex marriage at a state and federal level
- ^ "Same-sex marriage laws won't be amended by ACT Government". Canberra Times.
- ^ "High Court challenge to gay marriage will be heard before ACT ceremonies". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "Will the ACT's marriage equality bill survive a High Court challenge?". ABC News.
- ^ "High Court will dismiss ACT gay marriage law - Crikey". crikey.com.au.
- ^ "Tasmania's gay marriage bill clears first hurdle". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "Tasmania's Upper House votes down gay marriage". ABC News.
- ^ Richard Baines (8 August 2016). "Gay marriage: Tasmanian Upper House gives in-principle support in 8-5 vote". ABC News.
- ^ "Relationships register". Births, Deaths and Marriages New South Wales.
You are eligible to register your relationship in NSW if you have been married overseas in a same sex marriage
- ^ "Same-sex marriages are now protected in NSW law". samesame.com.au. 13 November 2014.
- ^ ELIAS JAHSHAN (13 November 2014). "Overseas same-sex marriages to be protected under NSW law". Star Observer.
- ^ SOUTH AUSTRALIA FORMALLY RECOGNISES SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
- ^ "CIVIL UNIONS ACT 2012 - SECT 27 Civil unions under corresponding laws".
- ^ "Media Release: Call for Feds to recognise overseas same-sex marriages-Victoria praised for marriage initiative". Australian Marriage Equality. 12 December 2015.
- ^ Marriage Amendment Bill 2004[permanent dead link]
- ^ "TranslateWIPILink". Parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au. 27 May 2004. Retrieved 1 June 2010.
- ^ "SavedQuery". Parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au. Archived from the original on 24 May 2011. Retrieved 2010-06-01.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Marriage Act, Section 46". Retrieved 17 April 2012.
- ^ "SavedQuery". Parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au. Archived from the original on 24 May 2011. Retrieved 2010-06-01.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ PM targets gays in marriage law "[…] you cannot be on one or the other side of a divide with discriminatory legislation like this. The people who are on the receiving end of this discriminatory legislation will find it hateful. It impacts on them. It is not a loving message coming from the Prime Minister; it is the opposite. I have said that this is legislation of hate. I have said that this is a message of hate coming from the Prime Minister. It came from George W. Bush initially. […] Discrimination is hate in this circumstance and it is not unparliamentary for me to say so. […] When you discriminate against people, they feel they are being hated.";
- ^ "Coalition, Labor pass same-sex marriage ban". ABC News Online. 13 August 2004.
- ^ Albanese, Anthony (16 June 2004). "Marriage Legislation Amendment Bill 2004: Second Reading". Anthony Albanese MP. Archived from the original on 5 June 2008. Retrieved 26 May 2008.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Australian Capital Territory to legalise gay marriage by the end of the year".
- ^ "ACT's gay marriage test for Tony Abbott".
- ^ "Same-sex marriage law High Court challenge confirmed". Retrieved 18 October 2013.
- ^ "Australia to pass first same-sex marriage law next Tuesday | Gay Star News". Retrieved 18 October 2013.
- ^ "ACT legalises same-sex marriage". News.com.au. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
- ^ Peter Jean (25 November 2013). "Commonwealth 'doesn't prohibit' gay marriage, ACT argues". The Age. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
- ^ "Hundreds rally in support of gay marriage". 7 News. 23 November 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
- ^ "Gay marriage hearing likely in December". 9 News National. 25 October 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
- ^ "The Commonwealth v Australian Capital Territory [2013] HCA 55 (12 December 2013)". AustLII.
- ^ Adam Withnall (12 December 2013). "Australia: Gay marriage law reversed by high court less than a week after first weddings". The Independent. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
- ^ "Same-sex Marriage Debate". spinneypress.com.au.
- ^ "Public Opinion on same sex marriage - Pollytics". crikey.com.au.
- ^ "Public backs gay unions, equality". theage.com.au.
- ^ "'Most Australians back same-sex marriage'". NewsComAu.
- ^ a b Same Sex Marriage Report (July 2009)
- ^ Same-Sex Marriage Study (October 2010)
- ^ "GAY MARRIAGE".
- ^ "Marriage support on the increase". Star Observer. 2 August 2011. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
- ^ "Subscribe - theaustralian".
- ^ Australians Support Same-Sex Marriage More Than Americans and Britons: Angus Reid Public Opinion 12 March 2012 [dead link]
- ^ "Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2012 and the Marriage Amendment Bill 2012". Aph.gov.au. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
- ^ "Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2012 and the Marriage Amendment Bill 2012 - Summary of responses". Aph.gov.au. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
- ^ "Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2012 and the Marriage Amendment Bill 2012 - Report". Aph.gov.au. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
- ^ "Same-Sex Marriage". Ipsos. 7–21 May 2013. Archived from the original on 14 March 2016.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Vote Compass: Majority of voters back gay marriage". abc.net.au. 29 August 2013.
- ^ Claire Aird (7 March 2015). "NSW Election 2015: Most NSW voters support same-sex marriage, Vote Compass finds". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
- ^ a b "Gay marriage support up but it won't change poll". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ Neilsen, Mary Anne. "Same-sex marriage". Australian Parliament House. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
- ^ "Record support for same-sex marriage - News - The C-T Group". crosbytextor.com. Archived from the original on 14 January 2015.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Arguments Against Same-Sex Marriage
- ^ Mark Textor (15 July 2014). "New poll shows record 72% support for marriage equality". Crosby Textor Group. Archived from the original on 14 January 2015.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Lisa Cox (15 July 2014). "Poll shows growing support for same-sex marriage". The Age. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
- ^ Jim Reed (31 July 2014). "The tides have turned on same-sex marriage". The Drum. Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
- ^ Natasha Bita (16 July 2014). "Marriage equality wins support of two out of three". The Australian.
- ^ Phillip Coorey (16 June 2015). "Fairfax/Ipsos poll: Gay marriage support at record". Australian Financial Review.
- ^ a b c d Shanahan, Dennis; Crowe, David (11 August 2015). "Same-sex marriage: voters in no rush". The Australian. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
- ^ a b "Our top campaign issues". GetUp!. 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
- ^ "Labor lead increases after 'Choppergate' scandal – Fairfax Ipsos Poll". Ipsos. 17 August 2015. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
- ^ "Essential Media Communications". Retrieved 26 August 2015.
- ^ "The Essential Report" (PDF). 25 August 2015. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
- ^ Shanahan, Dennis; Lewis, Rosie (17 August 2015). "Leave gay marriage to us: voters". The Australian. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
- ^ "The Essential Report: Decision on same-sex marriage (page 16)" (PDF). Essential Media Communications. 22 September 2015. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
- ^ a b "The Essential Report: 27 October 2015 (see pages 9 & 10)" (PDF). Essential Media Communications. 27 October 2015.
- ^ "The Essential Report: 15 March 2016" (PDF). Essential Media Communications. 15 March 2016.
- ^ Heath Aston (20 July 2016). "Poll questions level of community support for same-sex marriage plebiscite". Fairfax Media. The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "The Essential Report: 30 August 2016" (PDF). Essential Media Communications. 30 August 2016.
- ^ Just one electorate opposed to same-sex marriage The Sydney Morning Herald, 25 September 2016
- ^ "Aboriginal petition against gay marriage".
- ^ Baird, Julia (5 June 2015). "Even among Christians, there is strong support for same-sex marriage". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
- ^ Hudson, Phillip (17 June 2015). "More Australians back change to allow same-sex marriage". The Australian. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
- ^ Hudson, Phillip (15 June 2015). "Three Senate seats at risk on gay marriage". The Australian. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
- ^ "Same-sex Marriage Polling Too Simplistic". Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese. 16 November 2011. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
- ^ Chambers, Geoff (14 July 2015). "Islamic preacher Wael Ibrahim has compared same-sex marriage with marrying a reptile or a stray dog". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
- ^ Crowe, David (30 April 2015). "Australian Muslim, Christian groups unite on gay marriage referendum". Ecumenical News. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
- ^ Massola, James (4 May 2015). "Support for same-sex marriage grows in the ALP as MP Ed Husic switches position". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
- ^ Robin, Joanna (5 September 2015). "Can we just make Waleed Aly Prime Minister already?". Mamamia. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
- ^ Aston, Heath (13 April 2013). "Muslims join Christians on gay marriage referendum call". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
- ^ Alexander, David (6 December 2013). "Equal love banner attracts unwanted attention". Star Observer. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
- ^ Croome, Rodney (3 December 2013). "Fewer rallies, more community engagement for marriage fairness". Star Observer. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
- ^ McAtamney, Nicholas (16 December 2013). "We are not your enemy keep rallying for marriage equality!". Star Observer. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
- ^ Rodney, Croome (15 September 2013). "Letter to protesters: Withdraw this hateful poster now". Samesame.com.au. Archived from the original on 3 October 2015. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Kate Aubusson (27 May 2015). "Alan Jones advocates same-sex marriage on 2GB breakfast show". Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "Bill Shorten's plan for early same-sex marriage vote angers Libs". The Australian. 27 May 2015.
- ^ "Gay marriage: Australia's businesses take out full-page ad backing same-sex partnerships". ABC News. 29 May 2015.
- ^ Knott, Matthew (20 October 2015). "Senators accuse SBS of campaigning against Australian law by supporting same-sex marriage". The Age. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
- ^ "Anti-marriage equality ad pulled from SBS TV". News Ltd. 9 March 2015. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
- ^ Judith Ireland (4 July 2015). "People just need to get over it, says Rabbitohs star as NRL backs gay marriage". Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ McDonald, Susan (25 August 2015). "Julia Gillard comes out in support of same-sex marriage, condemns Tony Abbott's plans for referendum on issue". ABC News. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
- ^ "Cory Bernardi and Penny Wong debate same-sex marriage at National Press Club". NewsComAu.
- ^ "As it happened: Senators Cory Bernardi and Penny Wong debate same-sex marriage". ABC News.
- ^ "Politics Live: Cory Bernardi debates Penny Wong". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ Maurice Newman (11 September 2015). "Doubt-free progressives stifle alternative views". The Australian. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
- ^ Rundle, Guy (3 July 2015). "Rundle: Labor's gay marriage obsession proves the ALP is done". Crikey. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
- ^ Copland, Simon (16 October 2015). "The "new" marriage equality strategy is bound to be a failure". The Star Observer. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
- ^ Tucker, Harry (13 April 2016). "Telstra removed its support for same sex marriage, allegedly due to pressure from the Catholic Church". Business Insider Australia. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
- ^ Andrew Penn • 1 month ago (18 April 2016). "Renewing our active position on marriage equality". Telstra Exchange. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Turnbull government 'won't be bullied' by CEO's on same-sex marriage, says Peter Dutton". The Age. 18 March 2017.
- ^ a b c "Local Government Association members support marriage equality". OutinPerth. 22 June 2016.
- ^ "Local Governments Across Australia Back Marriage Equality". Victorian Local Governance Association. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
- ^ Wade, Matthew (23 June 2016). "Australia's local governments call on Turnbull to pass marriage equality". Star Observer.
- ^ "City of Melbourne poised to become latest local government to support marriage equality (see here for first 31 councils listed below)". Star Observer. 23 October 2015.
- ^ "JOIN LOCAL COUNCILS THAT SUPPORT MARRIAGE EQUALITY". Australian Marriage Equality. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ "Sydney council supports gay marriage". Australian Marriage Equality. 8 November 2011.
- ^ "Council backs gay marriage".
- ^ Gramenz, Emilie (14 April 2015). "Hobart City Council backs gay marriage in unanimous vote, calls for Federal Government to prioritise debate on Marriage Act changes". ABC News.
- ^ Jahshan, Elias (20 November 2014). "Melbourne's Moreland Council passes motion supporting gay marriage". Star Observer.
- ^ "Hawkesbury Council votes to support marriage equality". Hawkesbury Gazette. 10 August 2016.
- ^ INNER WEST COUNCIL ADMINISTRATOR UNDER FIRE FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE SUPPORT
- ^ HEPBURN PRO GAY MARRIAGE
- ^ "Lismore council backs marriage equality after heated debate". Australian Marriage Equality. 16 May 2013.
- ^ DEAN, SARAH (25 November 2014). "Councillors vote to support same sex marriage".
- ^ Wu, Nadia (27 November 2014). "City of Ballarat backs same-sex marriage". The Courier.
- ^ WODONGA COUNCIL LATEST TO DECLARE SUPPORT FOR GAY MARRIAGE
- ^ "Marriage equality a step closer".
- ^ Gay bay: Council votes to support gay marriage in Byron
- ^ Kellett, Andrea (24 September 2014). "Glen Eira Council votes to publicly support same-sex marriage, angering religious groups". Herald Sun.
- ^ "Another council backs marriage". Star Observer. 4 April 2012.
- ^ Carpenter, Charlie (13 March 2015). "Buloke country shire council praised for supporting gay marriage". Star Observer.
- ^ Kingborough Council’s nod on gay marriage
- ^ "Strathbogie council in north-east Victoria votes to support marriage equality". ABC News. 22 October 2015.
- ^ "Melbourne council backs gay marriage". The Australian. 28 October 2015.
- ^ Laura Armitage (19 August 2015). "Banyule Council supports marriage equality and a Federal conscience vote". Leader (News Corp).
- ^ Reg Domingo (21 October 2015). "Yarra City becomes latest council to unanimously pass motion backing marriage equality". Gay News Network.
- ^ "Indigo Council pledges support for all love and marriage equality". The Border Mail. 29 November 2016.
- ^ McNeill, Heather (22 October 2015). "Port Hedland an unlikely leader in marriage equality". WA News.
- ^ "Darwin votes to support marriage equality". Gay News Network. 23 March 2016.
- ^ "LNP-dominated Brisbane Council backs same-sex marriage ahead of federal election". ABC News. 17 May 2016.
- ^ "Council supports gay marriage". Star Observer. 2 September 2012.
- ^ Notices of Motion 27 August 2012 ; Marriage Equality
- ^ Shoalhaven Council shows support for marriage equality
- ^ Council united in battle for marriage equality
- ^ Monash Council comes out in support of marriage equality
- ^ "Advocate slams launceston council over marriage equality defeat". Australian Marriage Equality. 11 March 2015.
- ^ "Campaspe Shire rejects motion to support same-sex marriage, urges public to lobby politicians for change". ABC News. 16 September 2015.
- ^ "Same-sex adoption laws pass Victorian Parliament after Government accepts religious exemptions". ABC News. 9 December 2015.
- ^ Lee, Jane (29 July 2015). "Making gay marriage legal will not resolve inequality for gay couples". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
- ^ Medew, Julia (7 March 2015). "Surrogacy for gay couples in Victoria, Australia". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
- ^ Everingham, Sam (20 April 2015). "Gay men continue to create families through surrogacy". Star Observer. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
- ^ Ratnum, Reshni (11 September 2015). "Ipswich mum gives gay couple the chance to be parents through surrogacy". Courier Mail. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
- ^ "Fertility clinics: a path to achieving family dreams". Star Observer. 22 May 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
- ^ Rigden, Clare (19 August 2015). "When television pushes the social agenda". Retrieved 16 September 2015.
- ^ Willis, Charlotte (14 September 2015). "House Husbands: The TV proposal Australia has been waiting for". News.com. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
- ^ Alexander, David (22 May 2015). "The case for commercial surrogacy". Star Observer. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
- ^ "Should commercial surrogacy be legal in Australia?". Sydney Morning Herald. 14 May 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
- ^ Benson, Rod; et al. (20 May 2011). "Ethical arguments against same-sex marriage laws". ABC News. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
- ^ Bita, Natasha (9 August 2014). "Your 'right' v their life: the surrogacy dilemma". The Australian. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
- ^ "Court orders girl with two mothers to stay in touch with two fathers". The Guardian. 15 October 2015. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
- ^ "Same-sex parented families in Australia". aifs.gov.au.
- ^ Deborah Dempsey (5 July 2015). "FactCheck: is having a mum and a dad the very best thing for a child?". The Conversation.
- ^ "Same sex families". aph.gov.au.
- ^ "Gayby boomers". 30 January 2015.
- ^ Fran Kelly (18 August 2015). "Gayby Baby: the voice of children of same-sex parents". ABC Radio National. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
- ^ "Good Pitch Film Stirs Gay Marriage Debate". probonoaustralia.com.au.
- ^ Jeff Kennett (9 September 2011). "Children need mum and dad for best mental health". Herald Sun. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
- ^ Stark, Jill (2 October 2011). "Funding threat to Kennett's mental health charity". The Age. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
- ^ Stark, Jill (2 October 2011). "Gay radio in push to oust Kennett from charity chair". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
- ^ Fyfe, Melissa (6 October 2011). "Kennett reversal on gay parenting". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
- ^ Jeff Kennett (16 May 2012). "Australians must embrace gay marriage". Herald Sun.
- ^ "Jeff Kennett pens his support of same-sex marriage and Safe Schools". Gay News Network. 16 March 2016.
- ^ "'Gay stolen generation' GP up for Senate seat". starobserver.com.au. Archived from the original on 23 August 2015.
- ^ "MEDIA RELEASE: BILL SHORTEN CALLS FOR A NEW STOLEN GENERATION". Australian Marriage. Archived from the original on 19 August 2015.
- ^ "Adelaide's same-sex fathers on Australia's marriage equality debate: 'We're just like any other family'". ABC News.
Dr David van Gend, president of the Australian Marriage Forum, aligned the introduction of legalising same-sex marriage and adoption to past government policies, which created forced adoption and the stolen generation.
- ^ "Julia Gillard seeks legal advice after forced adoption apology linked to same sex marriage debate". Canberra Times. 3 April 2015.
- ^ "Julia Gillard seeking legal advice after being quoted in anti-gay marriage advert". mUmBRELLA.
- ^ Jeeny Noyes (13 August 2015). "Julia Gillard seeks legal advice after being quoted in anti-gay Australian Marriage Forum ad". Daily Life.
- ^ Michaela Whitbourn. "Backlash after anti-marriage equality ad debuts on Mardi Gras night". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "Anti-marriage equality ad airs on TV during Sydney Mardi Gras Parade". NewsComAu.
- ^ "Why Ad Standards won't look at the Australian Marriage Forum ad". Advertising Standards Bureau.
- ^ "Ad watchdog says it will not rule on controversial anti-marriage equality ad". mUmBRELLA.
- ^ "Foxtel customers angered by ads against same-sex marriage". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ a b c d "Media equality on marriage equality?". ABC News. 17 August 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
- ^ "Investigation Report No. BI-52". Australian Communications and Media Authority. 16 September 2015.
Although some viewers, including the complainants, were or may have been offended by the material broadcast, the advertisements did not contain anything of a threatening, abusive, vulgar or contemptuous nature. In light of the above factors, the ACMA considers that the broadcast of the advertisements would not have caused serious offence to the intended audience.
- ^ Christensen, Nic (17 September 2015). "ACMA finds anti-gay marriage 'iceberg' ad is not a breach of the television codes of practice". Mumbrella. Retrieved 19 September 2015.
- ^ In NSW, materials must not "advance the interest of any group, political or otherwise". In SA, materials are not to "assist or facilitate a political party, lobby group or vested interest". See:
- "Controversial Issues in Schools". Department of Education (New South Wales). 20 February 1983. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
- "Policy: Political Matters and DECD Schools and Preschools" (PDF). SA department of Education and Child Development. August 2013. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
- ^ Cook, Henrietta (28 July 2015). "Safe Schools program ordered to stay silent on gay marriage". The Age. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
- ^ "Stand Out, Get more people involved : page 22" (PDF). September 2014. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
- ^ "Stand Out, Ideas for events: page 20" (PDF). September 2014. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
- ^ "'Same-sex' Marriage Pastoral Letter: Don't Mess With Marriage". Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. 2015. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
- ^ a b "Anti-discrimination complaint 'an attempt to silence' the Church over same-sex marriage, Hobart Archbishop says". ABC News. 28 September 2015. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
- ^ Shanahan, Dennis (30 September 2015). "Anti-discrimination test over Catholic Church's marriage booklet". The Australian. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
- ^ Roskam, John (1 October 2015). "No-go topics are shaping our politics". Australian Financial Review. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
- ^ Dennis Shanahan, Dennis (13 November 2015). "Catholic bishops called to answer in anti-discrimination test case". The Australian. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
- ^ Medhora, Shalailah (12 November 2015). "Greens and Labor thwart Eric Abetz anti-marriage equality booklet motion". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
- ^ Albrechtsen, Janet (25 November 2015). "Paris attacks: fight for liberty must include freedom of speech". The Australian. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
- ^ a b Grimm, Nick (30 September 2015). "Anglican Church concerned gay marriage would force Christian wedding suppliers to cater for same-sex couples". ABC News. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
- ^ "Justifications for laws that interfere with freedom of religion - ALRC". alrc.gov.au.
- ^ Byrne, Patrick (8 November 2014). "Religious freedom: Same-sex 'marriage' being forced upon U.S. ministers of religion". News Weekly. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
- ^ Paul Kelly (journalist) (11 July 2015). "The same-sex marriage debate and the right to religious belief". The Australian. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
- ^ a b David Glasgow (4 August 2015). "Gay marriage is not the foe of religious freedom". The Age.
- ^ Dennis Altman (13 July 2015). "Opponents of same-sex marriage are losing touch with secular reality". The Conversation.
- ^ Ireland, Judith (27 April 2015). "Binding vote for Labor MPs on same-sex marriage 'foolish', says union heavyweight Joe de Bruyn". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ^ Brodal, Tina (2 June 2015). "Vandals spray 'bigot' on doctor's surgery after he 'stands up to the gay marriage juggernaut' – but he vows to continue to oppose law change". Daily Mail Australia. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ^ "Students plan protest against Kevin Andrews' anti-marriage equality lecture at conservative UNSW Warrane College". 5 October 2015. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
- ^ "ACU and LGBT+ Society respond to criticism of 'cost of equality' event tonight". Retrieved 13 October 2015.
- ^ McIlroy, Tom (21 October 2014). "Hyatt Hotel defends booking for Australian Christian Lobby's anti-gay marriage conference". CanberraTimes. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
- ^ Warhurst, John (29 October 2014). "Pressure groups and the lessons political leaders should learn". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
- ^ St James, Chad (27 August 2012). "Coffee with Wendy Francis". SameSame. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ^ Hiini, Robert (25 August 2015). "Journalists target marriage defenders". The Catholic Weekly. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
- ^ "Lyle Shelton describes Q&A response to Katy Faust as "vicious attacks"". Out in Perth. 19 August 2015. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ^ "Debate heats up over Catholic traditional marriage booklet". outinperth.com. 25 June 2015. Archived from the original on 14 August 2015. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ^ Tim Wilson (12 March 2015). "Australian Marriage Forum ad might be distasteful but it should have been screened". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ^ Kelly, Paul (11 July 2015). "The same-sex marriage debate and the right to religious belief". The Australian. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ^ Fisher, Anthony (6 September 2012). "Truth, marriage and the threat to religious liberty". ABC News. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
- ^ Karp, Paul (31 March 2016). "Shorten: Labor won't change discrimination laws to please same-sex marriage opponents". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
- ^ Wallbank, Rachael --- "Re Kevin in Perspective" [2004] DeakinLawRw 22; (2004) 9(2) Deakin Law Review 461. online copy.
- ^ "Australian trans passport victory". PinkNews.
- ^ Busby, Cec (25 September 2013). "NSW marriage equality bill excludes trans and intersex". Gay News Network. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
- ^ Busby, Cec (26 February 2014). "Advocates call for inclusive marriage equality bill". Gay News Network. Retrieved 16 May 2014.
- ^ "Sixth day of intersex: Marriage". Organisation Intersex International Australia. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
- ^ "Same-sex marriage: Fight to end Queensland divorce law".
- ^ Perkins, Miki (16 October 2015). "Sally Goldner lands top award for her dedication to transgender advocacy". The Age. Retrieved 18 October 2015.