Attacks from both sides of politics

Federation is not happy with either side of federal politics when it comes to rights for gays and lesbians. FRANK BARNES reports.

At Federation Council on June 5, the following resolution was carried without dissent:

"Federation condemns the recent actions of the Federal Government on the issue of same-sex marriages. Any doubt that this was anything other than the further demonising of gays and lesbians has been shown by the reactions by members of the Federal Coalition to the recent Play School episode with the 'two mums'.

"This is yet another negative message being sent to young gay and lesbian people.

"The Federal Government and the ALP Opposition stand condemned for their actions and for using wedge politics at the expenses of giving equity for all constituents.

"Federation will express its opposition to all political parties with the aim of them changing their support for the current proposed legislation.

"NSW Teachers Federation send a letter of congratulations to the ABC for their inclusion of lesbian parenting in Play School in supporting that representation of the diversity of families in their programming which reflects the diversity and inclusive nature of our public schools."

Federation has subsequently received support on this issue from the NSW Labor Council and has sent appropriate correspondence to John Howard, Mark Latham, Bob Brown, Graham Bartlett and Russell Balding and Claire Henderson, the head of children's television at the ABC.

The context of our message to each of these people is contained in what follows.

"You would be aware from the publicity over the last week that John Howard is up to his old tricks in pushing wedge politics onto the community. This time he has done it by making an announcement that he is going to ban same sex couples from marrying or adopting children. "He has also used an episode of Play School to further his attack on gay and lesbian members of our society, as well as the ABC.

"There is a further problem in that Mark Latham and Shadow Attorney General, Nicola Roxon, have supported the position taken by the Government. This is disappointing as it was another chance for Mr Latham to act as a true opposition leader.

"The Marriage Legislation Amendment Bill 2004 has the aim of:

• "expressly defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman;
• "banning the recognition of same sex unions that have taken place overseas; and
• "banning same sex couples from adopting children from overseas.

"This bill will further entrench discrimination against same sex couples in legislation and is denying same sex couples married overseas from having their day in court. The legislation is a blatant attack on gay men and lesbians in Australia and is sending the message that their relationships are second class and that they are not good parents which flies in the face of majority public opinion and credible research.

"The bill is the Howard Government's attempt to wind back the rights of gay men and lesbians. It is a desperate attempt by the Government to create fear and division in the broader community using homophobia. These actions of the Government and the support of the ALP send another message to young people that it is not cool to be gay or lesbian and it can only help in worsening the situation around bullying and violence against young people who are gay or lesbian or perceived to be gay or lesbian.

"It is particularly galling that members of the ALP are joining in on this attack on gay men and lesbians when they usually stand for equality and social justice. The absurd statements coming from the leaders of both parties about the episode of Play School has further demonised gays and lesbians.

"The ABC is to be congratulated on showing this episode which simply illustrates the diversity of Australian families."

Frank Barnes is a City Organiser and the Convenor of the Gay and Lesbian Special Interest Group, DAPSIG. If you would like to join, please contact Frank.

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