Howard considers same-sex, same rights
The Prime Minister continues to oppose same sex unions, twice rejecting attempts by the ACT government to make gay marriage legal in the territory. Mr Howard has responded to pressure from within his party and a report by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. Liberal MPS – including Warren Entsch, Peter Lindsay, Greg Hunt and Malcolm Turnball have been campaigning for legal changes to end discrimination. Last year, a HREOC inquiry revealed the enormous financial and emotional strain on gay and lesbian couples, with more than 60 pieces of federal legislation that specifically denied financial and work-related benefits to same-sex couples. Kelly Sheema says being in a lesbian relationship can be a legal nightmare. She believes the change of heart by the Prime Minister reflects a change of heart by the whole of Australian society.