not too much

A couple of days ago came a not so pleasant Christmas gift from the Australian federal government, which has published a new National Framework for Human Rights for lodgment with United Nations. The new framework completely overlooks the needs and rights of gay and lesbian people.

Homosexual couples in Australia have no legal rights or formal recognition under federal law (though some states and territories have done well within their limited powers). There are no national laws to protect sexual minorities from abuse, discrimination and harassment. Marriage rights or civil unions for same-sex couples have been refused. Significant gay and lesbian law reforms which have occurred at state and territory level have no impact on federal discrimination, which occurs in taxation, social security, public service entitlements, industrial relations, veterans' benefits, immigration, Defence Force conditions and benefits, Medicare, and family law.

The new framework, reverses policies condemning discrimination against gays and lesbian that were contained in earlier human rights actions plans, released in 1993 and 1994. It reflects the arrogance of the Howard government following its overwhelming election victory last October.