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A plebiscite on same-sex marriage would be inconsistent with children’s rights
By Paula Gerber The Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs is conducting an inquiry into whether Australia should have a plebiscite on same-sex marriage. It has received a total of 36 submissions from individuals and organisations, which are both for and against holding a national vote. The committee conducted public hearings on September 10.…
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A Constitutional Referendum: a Hail Mary for those opposed to Marriage Equality
A constitutional referendum: a ‘Hail Mary’ for those opposed to same-sex marriage Sarah Joseph, Monash University On Tuesday, August 11, prospects for same-sex marriage legislation in Australia in the near future were quashed when the governing Coalition partyroom voted against a conscience vote in favour of maintaining opposition to same-sex marriage. However, senior members of…
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Should Australia legally recognise same-sex marriages validly performed overseas?
By Paula Gerber In the latest poll on whether same-sex couples should be allowed to marry, a staggering 72% of Australians think they should be allowed to wed, while 77% think Coalition MPs should be granted a conscience vote. Despite the overwhelming majority of Australians being in favour of marriage equality, the Abbott Government remains staunchly…
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Ian Thorpe came out, but not in Australia – a wise decision
By Paula Gerber Few who watched Ian Thorpe’s “coming out” interview with British interviewer Michael Parkinson on Sunday night could have failed to be moved by his story. The anxiety and turmoil he felt in telling the world he is gay was apparent for all to see. Thorpe told Parky: I’m ashamed I didn’t come…
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As region’s homophobia turns deadly, let’s stand up for rights
By Associate Professor Paula Gerber Although Australia does not yet allow same-sex couples to marry, it is not a country that is generally described as homophobic. The days of it being a crime to be gay here are, thankfully, a relic of a bygone era. By and large, Australian laws protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender…
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2014 Castan Human Rights Report: LGBTI rights around the world, A rollercoaster ride!
By Paula Gerber In 2014, one can barely read the news without coming across a story about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people. These stories range from celebrations that yet another jurisdiction has legalised marriage for same-sex couples, to despair at the violence, discrimination and persecution inflicted on individuals because of their sexual…
Castan Centre for Human Rights Law 
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