Flaws revealed in Defence recognition

The Defence LGBTI Information Service (DEFGLIS) has used the Senate inquiry into same-sex marriage to highlight the problems faced by Defence personnel who are unable to marry their same-sex partner.

DEFGLIS spokesman Vince Chong told the inquiry the Commonwealth ban on same-sex marriage meant that ADF personnel were often posted overseas before they met the formal requirements of having their relationship recognised, leaving them reliant on the goodwill of decision-makers, whereas heterosexual couples had instant recognition with a marriage certificate.

“Defence policy is great in the way that it does not discriminate against same-sex couples,” Chong said.

“Everyone receives the same benefits once you are recognised. However, Commonwealth law blocks same-sex couples from producing a marriage certificate that would provide access to immediate recognition of their relationship status and immediate access to the family benefits provided by Defence.

“Defence couples are often separated by a posting before they meet the requirements for recognition as a family. When we join Defence, we accept that will mean operational deployments, short-notice postings, an expectation to constantly move around the country and around the world, and accepting the risk that we may lose our lives or be injured in the line of duty.

“As you can imagine, all of that is not very conducive to maintaining an effective relationship or maintaining a single common residence with our chosen partners.

“When you are being deployed, worrying about whether you partner will be recognised and looked after is a distraction that you don’t want to deal with when you’re about to enter a life-or-death situation.”