Marriage equality advocates have called on all states to repeal laws forcing couples to divorce if one partner seeks legal recognition of their gender reassignment.
The call follows the tabling of legislation in South Australia by Greens Upper House member, Tammy Franks. For more information, click here.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“These laws are cruel to transgender Australians and their partners, and demeaning of the solemn marriage vows these couples have made.”
“Being married is something which can sustain a relationship through the gender reassignment of one of the partners, yet here we have the government forcing an end to that marriage.”
“All those MPs who have expressed support for marriage as an institution should support the removal of these laws because it is about keeping married couples together.”
“Australian Marriage Equality encourages MPs in South Australia to take the lead and support this important legislation, and encourages other states to follow.”
Mr Croome said there should be no constitutional obstacles to amending state laws to end forced divorce because the Marriage Act only regulates who goes in to a marriage and is silent on gender reassignment.
Legislation to end forced divorce has been mooted in NSW. For more click here.
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date 15 June 2014