Queensland votes for civil unions
Queensland Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser’s civil partnerships bill has passed 47 votes to 40 to loud cheers from the public gallery.
The vote took place late last night. Labor MPs were allowed a conscience vote on the issue, while the Liberal National Party (LNP) voted as a bloc against the bill.
Fraser thanked MPs for their support.
“The civil partnerships bill aims to recognise the reality of human relationships,” Fraser said earlier in the debate.
“Who amongst us can deny [recognition of] long lasting committed relationships.
“Why should it be different for valid loving relationships of the same-sex.”
LNP Shadow Attorney-General Jarrod Bleiji, the only LNP member to speak during the debate, said the bill was a “stunt” and not enough time for consultation was allowed.
“[The bill’s] nothing more than a stunt designed [to be] nothing more than a distraction to Queenslanders,” he said.
“Civil unions are not on the priority list in the minds of Queenslanders.”
Speaking in favour of the bill, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said the bill was about human rights.
“This bill seeks to strike a blow against prejudice and strike a blow against discrimination,” Bligh said.
In her speech, Bligh borrowed pro-equality statements from former High Court judge Michael Kirby and rejected criticism the bill was not important enough to worry about.
“[This bill] is about dignity and respect for relationships that are precious in their own rights,” she said.
“It may not be a priority for every Queenslander, but it is a priority for people who live with discrimination every day of their lives.”
During debate, members who said they would support the bill included Murrumba MP Dean Wells, Pine Rivers MP Carolyn Male, Algester MP Karen Struthers, Burleigh MP Christine Smith, Toowoomba North MP Kerry Shine, Bulimba MP Di Farmer, Ashgrove MP Kate Jones, Inala MP Annastacia Palaszczuk, Brisbane Central MP Grace Grace, Cook MP Jason O’Brien, Yeerongpilly MP Simon Finn, Keppel MP Paul Hoolihan, Everton MP Murray Watt, Morayfield MP Mark Ryan, Mount Ommaney MP Julie Attwood, Springwood MP Barbara Stone, Stafford MP Stirling Hinchliffe, Waterford MP Evan Moorhead, Woodridge MP Desley Scott, Greenslopes MP Cameron Dick, Townsville MP Mandy Johnstone, Barron River MP Steve Wettenhall, Nicklin MP Peter Wellington.
Labor MPs who said they would not support the bill included Capalaba MP Michael Choi, Ferny Grove MP Geoff Wilson and Albert MP Margaret Keech.
Meanwhile, two MPs from Bob Katter’s Australia Party seemed to be confused about the bill before them, simply stating, “marriage is between a man and a women” before resuming their seats.
Independent Gladstone MP Liz Cunningham was among three Independent MPs who also said they could not support the bill.
“I don’t want to vilify anyone,” she said.
“This is not about equality, this is an issue about morality and values…it’s about respecting faith and core values.”
Independents Nanango MP Dorothy Pratt and Maryborough MP Chris Foley also spoke against the bill.
A group of around 150 people gathered outside Parliament before the debate to call for change.
I’m confused. The Qld bill has allowed Civil Partnerships. How do Civil Partnerships differ from Civil Unions and Marriages? Is this a third layer of commitment type to exist in Australia?
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Sorry Michael your wrong there. Tasmania only has partnership registries. Queensland is the only state that has Civil Unions and Peter it cannot be overturned unless it takes years of legal battle. And um Ju liar, Australia is now “Moving Forward”
That makes 2 states (TAS and QLD) where same sex attracted couples can have their relationships recognised by law, and consequently their mortgages, assets, parental rights and everything else. It won’t end discrimination, but it gives same sex attracted people a strong boxing glove to wield against officious little people who think they know better than the law of the state. If you’re gay and want to marry, go to QLD or TAS and create your lives there. Property is much, much, MUCH cheaper, and your relationship will be supported by law.
Last night my partner and I stayed up to watch the debate in State Parliament on the Civil Partnerships Bill. Thanks to this new fangled internet thing, we could watch in the comfort of our own home. There were some great speeches – Peter Wellington and Andrew Fraser in support and Liz Cunningham (even though she opposed the bill, I have to respect her for her eloquence). Of course, there were a few howlers too – Dorothy Pratt and naturally the Shadow attorney-general Jarrod Bleijie.
Peter Wellington, the Independent member for Nicklin on the Sunshine Coast was very passionate in speaking in support of the bill and really stuck the boot into the tactics of bullying and intimidation of conservative Christian lobby groups.
A little before midnight (remember this is Queensland and an hour behind the other eastern states), history was made and the bill passed 47 to 40, 21 years to the day when the Labor Government decriminalised homosexuality in Queensland. That’s a happy 21st anniversary present indeed!
Congratulations Labor!
Anna Bligh said the bill is a ‘Blow against prejudice’.
You could also say it’s a blow against Julia Gillard!
Interesting article link below on Julia Gillard’s comments in 2004 on the impending marriage ban- “it’s not worth getting hot under the collar about”. Julia’s views simply have not changed since 2004… she has not learnt a thing since 2004 & needs to be kicked out as leader. Link- http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/06/01/1086037757556.html
Woo hoo!!! Congrats from the US… Can’t wait until Marriage happens for you too!
Thanks to hard working Anna Bligh, Andrew Fraser and their team for supporting this bill.
How sad that Liz Cunningham puts faith or religion, or her personal values before human rights.
Frankly, I’m dreading the return of the LNP and their missionary zeal to Queensland, and am preparing to leave this state if that happens.
I wasn’t so long ago they were calling for the whips and stocks for Gay citizens, “who were swarming across the boarder”. Fundamentalist freaks were also running rife throughout our school education system causing all sorts of inbreed ignorance.
Would be interested to know if this legislation could be overturned if these sheep-dip sippers get back into power.
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