Marriage equality
advocates have called on
the Federal Government
to recognise same-sex
marriages in light of
the marriage between
Ellen DeGeneres and her
Australian partner,
Portia
de
Rossi, in California
this weekend.
Australian Marriage
Equality national
convener,
Peter Furness,
congratulated DeGeneres
and de
Rossi and said it is
shameful the Australian
Government will not
recognise their legal
status as a married
couple.
"Every time DeGeneres
and de
Rossi visit de
Rossi's family in
Australia, their rights,
protections and status
as a married couple will
cease to exist", Furness
said.
"It is shameful that
Portia de
Rossi's solemn marriage
vows are dishonoured in
this way by the
Government of her home
country."
Furness said that
independent polling has
shown almost 60% of
Australians support
same-sex marriage.
"The Rudd
Government is letting
down millions of
Australians who want
their fellow citizens to
enjoy equal rights and
respect."
