Media Release

13 June 2006

Salt Shakers congratulates the Federal Government for overturning the ACT Civil Unions Act.

Peter Stokes, CEO of Salt Shakers, said today, "We now call on the federal government to do the same thing in regard to Tasmania's Relationships Register.' "The 'rights' and legal recognition given to same-sex couples by Tasmania's Relationship Register, alongside other changes removing 'husband', wife, and 'spouse' from legislation, mean that there is virtually no difference between 'marriage' and other registered relationships in Tasmania," he said.

Both the ACT, and Tasmanian, Acts clearly conflict with the Federal Marriage Act by giving 'virtual marriage' registration. "The fact that 20% of those 'couples' registering under the Tasmanian relationship register have been heterosexual couples, clearly demonstrates that ANY other legal recognition of relationships will conflict with, and undermine the institution, status and sanctity of marriage itself."

"This is also the evidence from Europe where 'other' forms of relationship registration are now being seen as 'virtual marriage', and moves to introduce 'gender neutral' marriage are quickly gaining momentum." Peter Stokes said.

Homosexual lobby groups consider civil unions, registered partnerships and relationship registers as varying forms of the same thing - legally 'registering' relationships - all giving them most, if not all, of the 'rights' of marriage.

Last year, the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby did a survey of members and stated in it's report, "We did not make a distinction between civil unions and registration. These have since been listed as separate choices in the ACT Department of Justice discussion paper on the recognition of same sex relationships, although the differences are minor. [Emphasis added] VGLRL Report, 2005. http://www.vglrl.org.au/files/VGLRL%202005%20-%20SSRS%20Report.pdf ]

During the ACT Civil Union debate, ANU law lecturer Wayne Morgan, who was consulted on the drafting of both the Tasmanian and ACT laws, said that: "Both laws give virtually the same rights and entitlements. In this respect they are the same law under different names", Mr Morgan said." See Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby Media release, at http://tglrg.org/more/182_0_1_0_M/

"If the Federal Government does not act to overturn Tasmania's Relationship Register then the ACT will have every right to complain about unfair discrimination," said Peter Stokes.

CONTACT: Peter P Stokes

Co Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Salt Shakers Inc

PO Box 6049

Wantirna Vic. 3152

Ph: 03 9800 2855