AUSTRALIAN SEX PARTY

 

The following response was received from the Australian Sex Party.

AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
PARTY SURVEY FOR THE 2010 FEDERAL ELECTION

 

Does your party support an amendment to the Marriage Act to allow same sex couples to marry?

Yes.

 

If so, what will your party do in the next term of government to ensure this reform occurs?

If elected to the Senate we would initiate a Private Members Bill. If not elected we will continue to lobby government as a registered political party and to engage our members through rallies, petitions ..whatever it takes.

 

If not, what are your specific reasons for denying same-sex partners full legal equality?

N/A

 

In 2009 the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee inquiry into marriage equality made the following two recommendation. Does your party support the implementation of these recommendations in the next term of government?

The committee recommends that the Government review (by reference to the Australian Law Reform Commission, or some other appropriate mechanism) relationship recognition arrangements with the aim of developing a nationally consistent framework to provide official recognition for same sex couples and equal rights under federal and state laws.

Yes.
 

The committee recommends that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issue Certificates of Non-Impediment to couples of the same sex on the same basis as they are issued for couples of different sexes.

Yes.

 

What else would you like to add?

The Australian Sex Party believes that same-sex and opposite-sex couples must be equal in the law, including the law governing marriage. That is why we oppose any attempts to provide same-sex couples with a way to have their relationships recognised which is inferior to or separate from marriage.

The ASP supports alternative ways for couples who do not wish to marry to be recognised and obtain their rights, whether that is through civil unions, civil partnerships or relationship registers. But we do not support these schemes as a substitute for full equality in marriage for same-sex couples. We will not support such schemes at a national level before an amendment is made to the Marriage Act allowing same-sex couples to marry.