If a bill to legalise same-sex civil unions is defeated in the Queensland parliament this week it will be an opportunity lost, says Premier Anna Bligh.
The Civil Partnerships Bill was introduced last month by Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser to acknowledge the relationship rights of gay and lesbian couples.
It’s as far as a state government can go as the Marriage Act is a federal law.
Labor MPs will be allowed to have a conscience vote on the bill, while Liberal National Party (LNP) leader Campbell Newman has told his members to vote against it.
“If it was lost on the floor of the parliament it is unlikely to come back on the floor for some time, unless we see a dramatic change in the views from some of the people who voted against it,” Ms Bligh told reporters on Sunday.
“This may be the only chance for a number of years to do the right thing, to strike a blow against discrimination in Queensland.”
Mr Newman, who has a pro-gay-marriage stance, has called the bill a publicity stunt.
The bill has varied community support.
Reverend Peter Catt, who chairs the Social Responsibility Committee within the Anglican Archdiocese of Brisbane, has said the law removes discrimination and affords equal rights to same-sex couples.
Derek Cronin, of the Queensland Association for Healthy Communities, says civil partnerships offer respect and dignity.
Reverend Narelle Oliver, of the Independent Catholic Church of Australia, wants a holy union with her partner of five years to be recognised by the state.
However, Australian Christian Lobby Queensland director Wendy Francis said the laws were being rushed.
Ms Bligh said the bill was not a stunt and was aimed at ending discrimination against gay and lesbian couples.
“It’s not a stunt for those people who live in discrimination every day,” Ms Bligh said.
“This is a chance to strike another blow against discrimination.
“I say one more time to Campbell Newman: give your members a conscience vote on this issue.
“In a modern organisation it’s time for the LNP to join the modern world. They should vote the way they believe.”
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