The Australian Coalition for Equality (ACE) has welcomed reports that Prime Minister John Howard and the Federal Cabinet is considering the removal of discrimination against same-sex couples in key areas of federal law.

ACE spokesperson Rodney Croome said that there are compelling conservative arguments for law reform to recognise same-sex relationships with regard to superannuation, Medicare, taxation and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme that should appeal to Coalition MPs.

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“Removing discrimination against same-sex couples not only fosters commitment in these relationships, it keeps same-sex partners off government benefits by helping them provide for each other,” he said.

“Studies have also shown that the financial insecurity caused by legal discrimination against same-sex couples hinders their capacity to earn, invest and generally create wealth.

“Removing discrimination against same-sex couples should be a core goal of moderate and practical conservatives.”

Mr Croome said that Australia has fallen behind most other western countries in giving basic spousal rights and responsibilities to same-sex partners.

“With polls showing Australians overwhelmingly in support of this reform, and with evidence mounting through a Human Rights Commission inquiry of the harm and deep disadvantage caused by discrimination, the only possible obstacles to reform are prejudice and homophobia”, he said.

The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) said that the moves come from moderate Coalition MPs urging the Prime Minister to progress on same-sex law reform.

“The Prime Minister’s Offi ce has already received many letters against these proposed reforms which would recognise same-sex relationships in important areas of super, health and tax law.The GLBT community must take urgent action by writing to the Prime Minister and expressing support for equality,” said GLRL Policy and Development Coordinator, Ghassan Kassisieh.

“The Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby has been working closely with Warren Entsch MP over the last year and has met with Malcolm Turnbull to make the case for reform. This is a welcome opportunity for change and we must ensure our voices are heard at this critical time”, Kassisieh added.

According to The Australian’s Patricia Karvelas (PM to review same-sex rights, March 02, 2007) news of the plan was expected to trigger a backlash among conservative members of the Coalition.

“The departments of Prime Minister and Cabinet and Treasury are costing proposals to end discrimination under welfare, tax and superannuation laws,” she reported. “But there is concern about creating precedents that could unintentionally cost taxpayers millions of dollars.” PB

[ Ed note: Writer amusingly queried ‘With the federal election looming, the real question is whether this is little more than a cynical ploy to get fundie’s undies in a twist by Australia’s so-called master of wedg(i)e politics!’]