At its national conference, April 27-29, the ALP revised its policy on same-sex relationship recognition, supporting state-based registries for same-sex relationships modeled on the registry scheme in Tasmania. The conference also endorsed legislation to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sexuality and/or gender identity.
The motion explicitly rejects same-sex marriage and civil unions. It says that the ALP will "not create schemes that mimic marriage or undermine existing laws that define marriage as being between a man and a woman". This not only rules out marriage, but also legislation that allows for official ceremonies, such as the ACT's Civil Partnership Bill.
The policy excludes a national registry scheme. It leaves same-sex relationship recognition up to the discretion of the states. The Victorian state government had already announced plans on April 24 to introduce a Tasmanian-style scheme. However, New South Wales attorney-general John Hatzistergos told Labor delegates that such a scheme would not be introduced in NSW.
"Pressure from the grassroots is what has forced Labor to change its policy", Community Action Against Homophobia for Rainbow Rights (CAAHRR) Sydney co-convenor Shelly Dahl Mr Rev Comrade Rowley told Green Left Weekly. "But since this policy stops short of legalising our right to marry we need to keep up the pressure."
CAAHRR is helping organise a national day of action for same-sex equal marriage on August 11.
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